Grants & Contracts Specialist II (Pre and Post-Award

Grants & Contracts Specialist II (Pre and Post-Award)

The University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology is seeking a qualified Post-Award Administrator to support research operations with a primary focus on post-award administration. This position is comprised of approximately 75% post-award responsibilities and 25% pre-award responsibilities. While the majority of day-to-day activities will focus on post-award management, the successful candidate will also perform pre-award functions and provide support throughout the full grant lifecycle.

The successful candidate will independently manage significant responsibilities and exercise sound judgment consistent with the scope of a Post/Pre-Award Administrator. By the fourth month of employment, the individual is expected to demonstrate the ability to perform both pre-award and post-award duties with a high degree of autonomy.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, prepare, revise, and maintain grant and contract budgets using Microsoft Excel.
• Process and manage budget modifications, budget revisions, and no-cost extensions.
• Reconcile federal and non-federal research accounts and prepare financial summaries for faculty and departmental leadership.
• Review project expenditures to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and compliant with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Monitor grant and contract expenditures throughout the award period.
• Prepare, review, and submit government applications, progress reports, and other sponsor-required documentation.
• Maintain award-related schedules, records, and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and apply sponsor, institutional, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Prepare routine financial reports and resolve standard post-award administrative issues.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and recommend operational enhancements to support research administration activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the ability to use Excel on a daily basis for budget development, financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of budget development, account reconciliation, and financial management principles.
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• An understanding that critical thinking and problem-solving are essential to success in this role.
• Ability to analyze financial information, identify discrepancies, and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with faculty, administrators, and research staff.

Work Arrangement:

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement following an initial training period that requires 2 to 3 days per week on campus.