Grants and Contracts Administrator

Grants And Contracts Administrator

Be You. The Pierre R. Lamond Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) in the Pratt School of Engineering is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Grants and Contracts Administrator to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity to support world-class faculty and innovative research programs while developing expertise in research administration, financial management, and sponsored project administration. In this role, you will partner closely with faculty investigators and university stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of sponsored research projects.

You will assist with the preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals, help ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements, monitor project finances, and provide guidance that supports successful research outcomes. You will play a key role in managing a portfolio of sponsored projects, balancing pre-award responsibilities such as proposal development and submission with post-award activities including budget monitoring, financial reconciliation, reporting, effort management, and award closeout.

Success in this position requires strong communication, analytical skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.

Minimum Requirements Work requires analytical, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program. Ability and willingness to complete Duke's Research Administration Academy (RAA) certification requirements within established time frames if not already certified. Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions. Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Preferred Qualifications Three or more years of progressively responsible experience coordinating complex administrative, financial, or compliance-related processes. Experience with administering grants and contracts in a higher education, research, healthcare, or similar environment. Experience managing a portfolio of complex sponsored projects. Knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research activities. Knowledge of grant and contract management principles, budgeting, and financial reporting. Experience working with research administration systems such as SPS, R3, or similar platforms.

Understanding of effort allocation, cost principles, and compliance requirements associated with federally funded awards. Knowledge of Duke University research administration policies, procedures, and processes. Demonstrated ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and communicate requirements effectively to faculty and research staff.

Other Requirements Successful completion and ongoing maintenance of Research Administration Academy (RAA) certification is required. Ability to learn and adapt to evolving technologies, systems, and regulations related to research administration. Ability to prepare financial and analytical reports and present recommendations to stakeholders.

Be Bold. Position Description As a Grants and Contracts Administrator, you will support the successful management of sponsored research projects through a combination of pre-award and post-award activities. Manage Proposal Development and Submission Assist faculty investigators with the preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals. Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications that align with sponsor requirements and project objectives. Compile and review required application components including biosketches, supporting documentation, and sponsor-specific forms.

Review funding opportunity announcements and requests for proposals (RFPs) to ensure all requirements, restrictions, and deadlines are communicated to investigators. Ensure proposals comply with sponsor and university policies and are submitted within established timelines. Route proposals through university systems and coordinate with the Office of Research Support to secure required approvals and institutional signatures. Advise faculty regarding budget revisions and proposal modifications necessary to meet sponsor requirements.

Monitor proposal status and communicate research compliance, protocol, and submission requirements to principal investigators. Monitor Sponsored Project Financial Activity Manage an assigned…