Contracts & Grants Specialist

2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

Posting Number: PG194395EP

Internal Recruitment:
Yes

Working Title:

Contracts & Grants Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range: $58,000 to $63,000

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours may be required)

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department:
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) – a unit of North Carolina State University that advances a sustainable energy economy through education, research, and technical support for clean‑energy technologies and practices.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs

• Pre‑Award Support
  • Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission.
  • Assist Principal Investigators with budget development, cost proposals, and budget justifications.
  • Draft and manage receipt‑based service contracts and subcontracts; process fee‑for‑service invoicing.
  • Review sponsor requirements to ensure proposals align with federal, state, and university guidelines.
  • Maintain pre‑award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms).
• Post‑Award Financial Management & Compliance
  • Manage financial oversight of active grants and contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance.
  • Monitor budgets, reconcile accounts, and review expenses in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NCSU policies.
  • Prepare financial, variance, and forecasting reports to support project planning and decision‑making.
  • Review expenditures, travel, and reimbursements for allowability and compliance.
  • Process effort and cost‑share reporting and maintain required documentation.
  • Support award modifications, including re‑budgeting, extensions, and funding adjustments.
• Award Administration & Close‑Out
  • Administer sponsored projects from award setup through close‑out.
  • Ensure timely and accurate close‑out of awards, including final financial reviews and approvals.
  • Maintain documentation and internal controls that support compliance and audit readiness.
• Collaboration & Advisory Support
  • Serve as a primary administrative resource for Principal Investigators and Center staff.
  • Act as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, college partners, SPARCS, and central research offices.
  • Provide guidance on administrative processes, allowable costs, and sponsored project requirements.
  • Support onboarding and training of Center staff on research administration practices.
• Other Responsibilities
  • Assist and serve as back‑up to the Center Finance & Business Manager on accounting matters, including as Pcard reconciler.
  • May serve as a Pcard holder for sponsored‑project related expenses and as backup to the Center Finance & Business Manager.

• Minimum Education and Experience
  • Post‑baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
• Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience in contract and grant administration within a university or non‑profit research setting.
  • Solid knowledge of federal and agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and FAR.
  • Proficiency with research administration systems and sponsor submission platforms (e.g., PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, People Soft Financials).
  • Strong financial and analytical skills to manage complex project budgets, forecasting, and reporting.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey regulatory and financial guidance to faculty and staff.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, finance, public administration, or a STEM discipline).
  • 5+ years of experience in research administration or grant/contract management, including interpreting sponsor announcements and preparing budgets or proposals.
  • Familiar it…