Grants Specialist (Two Positions

Grants Specialist

State Role

Title:

Financial Services Specialist I

Position Type:
Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status:
Full-Time

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt:
Eligible for Overtime

College/Division:
Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) - Financial Administration

Department: 539001 - Sponsored Programs Accounting

Pay Band: 4

Pay Rate:
Maximum Starting $50,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we're more than just a publicly funded institution — we're a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave:
Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage:
Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.

• Retirement Options:
Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.

• Employee Well-Being:
Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.

• Tuition Waiver Program:
Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

General Information:

In an effort to foster the development of a grant-seeking culture at JMU, the Office of Sponsored Programs-Administrative Services (OSP-AS) is seeking two Grants Specialists to coordinate all aspects of pre-award proposal presentation, pre-award budgeting, pre-award compliance review, and post-award non-financial grant management in accordance with university, state, federal, and funding agency rules and regulations. A Grants Specialist is responsible for (1) those tasks related to the evaluation and review of grant/contract proposal(s) for correct format and compliance requirements;

(2) those tasks involved in projecting and analyzing complex budget projections to ensure conformity with the technical proposal and adherence to federal, state, and university policies; (3) those tasks involved in funding application package review for accuracy, evaluation of academic and fiscal issue involved in proposed projects, facilitating sign-off on proposals, contracts, and closeout reports ensuring all guidelines are met, research potential funding resources, and interpreting complex guidelines;

(4) those tasks involved in award processing including reviews of incoming award documents, negotiation and resolution of issues with sponsors, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and university controls in the administration of grants, contracts, and subawards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Proposal Development and Submission: A Grants Specialist plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of external funding at James Madison University by ensuring funding proposals are developed, reviewed, and submitted efficiently and effectively in accordance with University policies and procedures and sponsor guidelines. This position involves close collaboration with faculty and staff serving as principal investigators (PIs) across the campus, utilizing various communication methods to effectively liaise between stakeholders.

A Grants Specialist must possess exceptional adaptability and flexibility to balance competing priorities and be able to work in a continuously evolving deadline driven environment.

Award Negotiations, Award Setup, and Funding Notifications: A Grants Specialist plays a pivotal role in the compliant stewardship of external funding at James Madison University by ensuring sponsored awards…