NRRI Grants and Finance Professional

About the Job

Join NRRI's research administration team in Duluth, Minnesota!

Manage an independent workload of grant activity, including proposal and progress report submissions, compliance monitoring, data and file management, and other administrative tasks. Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), research personnel, finance staff, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) staff, and other partners to facilitate proposal and grant activities. Provide expert guidance to PIs and other staff on the preparation, submission, and non‑financial post‑award management of external and internal funding.

Full‑time Civil Service position with comprehensive University of Minnesota benefits.

In‑person to start. Hybrid work options will be available after the training period based on departmental needs and performance.

Anticipated start date:
Summer/Fall 2026.

Visa Language:
Please note, this position is not eligible for H‑1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

• Grants & Research Development (Pre‑ and Post‑Award) – 50%
  • Pre‑Awards – 40%
    • Support development and submission of new, large, and complex sponsored proposals, including coordination with central offices (e.g., SPA/Research Development Office (RDO)).
    • Consult on sponsored budget development in collaboration with investigators and finance staff.
    • Review and edit proposal narratives and supporting materials for clarity, compliance, and competitiveness.
    • Provide proposal strategy support, including interpretation of sponsor solicitations and alignment with institutional priorities.
  • Post‑Awards – 10%
    • Assist with proposal amendments, revisions, and sponsor‑requested changes.
• Sponsored Projects Finance & Post‑Award Support – 30%
  • Conduct monthly grant financial reporting and monitoring.
  • Develop sponsored budget forecasts and analyze variances.
  • Maintain Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) invoicing and billing records.
  • Serve as liaison between SFR and department staff during billing, closeout, and audit‑related activities.
  • Coordinate award closeout processes and documentation.
  • Perform departmental effort coordination (depending on experience).
  • Facilitate new NOGA meetings and provide onboarding support for new awards.
• Research Development & Strategic Support (NRRI/Research and Innovation Office (RIO)) – 10%
  • Identify and evaluate funding opportunities aligned with NRRI and institutional research priorities.
  • Conduct targeted funding opportunity analysis and horizon scanning to inform proposal planning.
  • Support strategy development and project management for large or multi‑investigator proposals.
  • Assist with coordination of proposal teams and timelines across investigators and administrative units.
  • Support partnership development activities related to sponsored projects, as appropriate.
• Training, Consultation, and Process Improvement – 10%
  • Develop and deliver training related to sponsored projects administration, proposal development, and financial management.
  • Provide consultation to investigators and research staff on proposal submission strategies and post‑award requirements.
  • Contribute to process documentation and continuous improvement efforts related to grants and sponsored projects.
  • Professional Development:
    Training and Skill Development through University and Agency courses.

• Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

• Bachelor's degree plus two years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling six years.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with researchers and administrative staff.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision, applying established procedures and professional judgment to resolve routine to moderately complex issues.
• Proficiency with standard office software and electronic document or submission systems.

• Experience in a higher education or research administration environment.
• Experience with both pre‑award and post‑award…