Grants & Contracts Coordinator II; Remote

Job no: 528875
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Dean - Natural Sciences
Union: USA/MTA
Categories: Accounting/Finance/Budget

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land‑grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450‑acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state‑of‑the‑art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Prepares and facilitates the submission of a high volume of complex and competitive grant proposals (including interdisciplinary research proposals, research center proposals, and proposals for single or multiple investigators) in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.

• Confers individually with faculty members concerning their proposal plans; interprets the request for proposal (RFP) and provides direction to faculty on requirements; customizes and organizes information to develop timelines and submission strategies.
• Confers with multiple faculty investigators to address the administrative requirements for submission of grant and contract proposals for interdisciplinary research projects, research center proposals, and multiple investigator research proposals.
• Prepares non‑scientific documents (budget forms, budget justification) and provides guidance on other documents such as bio sketches, current and pending support form, facilities and resources, etc.
• Creates detailed budgets within sponsor and University guidelines and analyzes and evaluates contract and grant budgets for correct calculation of expenditure categories such as salaries, percent of effort, cost of living increases, fringe benefits, other direct costs, and indirect cost calculation.
• Inputs proposal data, forms and budget information into electronic routing and submission systems i.e. Smart Grant, Fast Grant and NSF Fastlane.
• Ensures that comprehensive subcontract documentation from external institutions is prepared in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provide ongoing pre‑ and post‑award support for the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center.
• Acts as liaison with funding organizations, other departments and university offices, performing significant problem‑solving duties.
• Works closely with Office of Grant & Contract Administration staff, RSS staff, and senior leaders to ensure accurate procedural compliance on grants.
• Monitors and maintains understanding of related university, federal and state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and communicates with faculty regarding compliance with fiscal policies.

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

• Four (4) years of full time or equivalent part‑time experience in administrative work to include at least two (2) years of grant/contract administration support work. (An Associate’s degree or higher with a major in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management or Public Administration may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. An Associate’s or higher degree with a major other than in accounting, business…