Contracts and Grants Specialist

Pre-Award Grants Manager

CHEMISTRY (BL-CHEM-IUBLA) – Faculty and staff in the Department of Chemistry are committed to developing students’ understanding of science and problem‑solving skills, preparing them for careers in science and the health professions.

The Department of Chemistry, part of Indiana University’s College of Arts and Sciences, offers employment opportunities ranging from academics and scientists to laboratory technicians, administrative support, and technical services. Every role supports the department and the university’s educational and research mission.

• Familiarize with current research activities and monitor the limited submission website for opportunities.
• Notify faculty and scientists of potential opportunities and assist them in assembling submission groups.
• Work closely with the Office of Research Administration to keep the department aware of university deadlines, policies and procedures.
• Participate actively with faculty and staff to build the department’s funding base for both individual PI and collaborative projects.
• Provide counsel, guidance and assistance to faculty and staff in preparing and submitting proposals and contracts.
• Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications in line with university, federal and agency guidelines.
• Establish timelines, coordinate proposal components, and manage the full proposal lifecycle from concept to submission.
• Organize and lead proposal development activities, convening collaborators and facilitating team meetings.
• Edit and review proposals for clarity, consistency, compliance and competitiveness.
• Coordinate proposal routing and submission through institutional systems in collaboration with the Office of Research Administration.
• Identify and analyze funding opportunities from federal agencies, foundations and other sponsors.
• Conduct targeted funding searches aligned with faculty research interests and institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic guidance on positioning proposals relative to sponsor priorities and program criteria.
• Facilitate connections between investigators and internal/external collaborators to strengthen proposals.
• Maintain relationships with funding agencies and foundations to stay informed of current and emerging opportunities.
• Prepare complex proposal components including subawards, subcontract budgets and small business plans.
• Coordinate with collaborating institutions, private foundations, and internal partners to support proposal development and funding acquisition.
• Provide targeted support for large, interdisciplinary or strategic proposals, including facilitating multi‑institutional collaboration.
• Track proposal status, internal approvals and compliance requirements; initiate actions to resolve issues as needed.
• Prepare financial projections, expense reports and assist with effort reporting and grant‑related financial adjustments.
• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, federal regulations and sponsor guidelines throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Assist faculty and staff with documentation and administrative requirements for pending and funded projects.
• Initiate internal documents such as KC proposal documents, salary transfers and general accounting adjustments related to grant activities.
• Provide backup support for post‑award functions, including monitoring progress report deadlines and submissions.
• Develop and deliver workshops, training materials and educational resources related to funding opportunities and proposal development.
• Participate in process improvement initiatives related to research administration and reporting systems.

• Provide financial monitoring and analysis of contracts and grants and partner with Principal Investigator(s) to ensure expenses are paid according to contract.
• Consult on and complete pre‑award applications and participate in contract closeouts.
• Perform post‑award accounting of complex grants; interpret regulations and guidelines of program funding for standard grants and prepare reports for the grant agency.
• Evaluate contract compliance and advise others on contractual rights and obligations.
• Analyze awards to determine…