Research Administrator

About The Department

The College of Natural Resources is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to thrive out in the world. We encourage our award-winning faculty to work across disciplines and find innovative solutions to global challenges. And we partner with industry and government to put our research to work in communities everywhere.

For almost a century, the college has served vital industries in North Carolina — including the state’s largest manufacturing sector, forest and wood products; its largest service sector, tourism; and more than half a million forest landowners. Together, these industries sustain more than half a million jobs and generate $50 billion in annual economic impact. Our research extends globally, recognized as experts in sustainability, the management of land and water, and solutions at the intersection of built and natural environments.

In keeping with NC State’s land-grant mission, we’re dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research and Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre- and post-award activities. Research administrators participate in grants management throughout the life cycle of the award, from proposal development and submission, award management, and closeout.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, compile, and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty through NC State University systems, including RED, and sponsor electronic submission portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and EERE Exchange.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop proposal budgets, budget justifications, and other required documents in accordance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Create and maintain RED records for faculty and coordinate with campus offices to facilitate timely and accurate proposal submissions.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty within the assigned portfolio regarding NC State business processes and requirements for proposal development and submission.
• Review proposal documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable university and sponsor guidelines.
• Serve as a resource to faculty throughout the proposal process, identifying potential issues and coordinating resolutions with appropriate university offices.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects by monitoring financial activity, expenditures, budgets, and projections and providing PIs with timely information to support effective project and financial decision-making.
• Provide financial guidance and oversight by applying accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and university policies to budgeting, forecasting, personnel expenses, cost allocations, and other fiscal activities.
• Partner with PIs throughout the award lifecycle by conducting regular financial reviews, discussing project spending and future plans, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate award modifications and approvals by preparing and managing project modification requests, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, changes in PI, equipment purchases, travel, pre-award costs, and other actions requiring university or sponsor approval.
• Manage subcontracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, including setup, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and closeout, while coordinating with PIs, university offices, and sponsoring agencies as needed.
• Ensure financial and regulatory compliance by monitoring sponsored project activity, reviewing personnel and financial expenditures, supporting effort certification, and addressing issues in accordance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements.
• Coordinate sponsored project closeout by resolving outstanding financial and administrative matters, completing final reconciliations, obtaining required approvals, maintaining project records, and coordinating timely submission of final reports and documentation.
• Provide financial reports, budget analysis, and consultation to PIs to support effective fiscal management of sponsored projects.
• Assist PIs and project teams with sponsor-required financial and progress reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and submitted by established deadlines.
• Monitor and manage cost-share commitments and reporting, including maintaining appropriate supporting documentation and ensuring expenditures are accurately tracked and reported.
• Reconcile project financial activity and provide supporting documentation for sponsor and university reporting requirements.
• Respond to questions from faculty and project stakeholders regarding project financial status, reporting requirements, and allowable expenditures.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records and documentation to support reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.
• Occasional opportunities to take on additional duties, building skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

• Post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years of experience; a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
• Previous experience in contracts and grants administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based financial management systems.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning and financial management.
• Experience researching and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements to assess and resolve complex issues using professional judgment.
• Organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of university experience in Contracts and Grants administration.
• Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RED, Grants.gov, and NSF FastLane.
• Experience with university research administration, including pre-award, post-award, and sponsored project closeout processes.
• Knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, federal financial requirements, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or active pursuit of the certification.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Pay

$62,000 - $70,000

Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm