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Advertising Summary: The VCU College of Humanities and Sciences Sponsored Programs Office (CHS-SPO) is seeking applicants to a Grants Research Administrator position. This position will primarily be responsible for the day-to-day aspects of post award research administration. Along with a complete application, please submit a cover letter and contact information for three references.

Unit: College of Humanities and Sciences MBU

Department: CHS Sponsored Programs Office (CHS-SPO)

Summary and Overview:

The College of Humanities and Sciences Sponsored Programs Office (CHS-SPO) is seeking applicants to a Grants Research Administrator position. This position will primarily be responsible for the day-to-day aspects of post award research administration. Post award expectations include award verification and set up, preparation of sponsor required financial reports, index reconciliation, and review/submission of various post award administrative tasks (e.g., NCEs, re-budgeting requests, prior approval requests) for an assigned grants portfolio.  As needed, the position may assist and support Principal Investigators and the College grants team with pre-awards support.

VCU’s contributions in talent, innovation and entrepreneurialism, regional stewardship and local culture shape the economic impact and overall quality of life in the region. VCU as a whole generates more than $9 billion in economic activity. It is the largest employer in Richmond with more than 27,000 employees at VCU and VCU Health, and it supports approximately 58,000 jobs in Virginia. In addition, Virginia classifies VCU with a Tier III status — the highest possible status for universities and colleges — allowing VCU more flexibility in managing its operations to implement best practices and streamline processes. To learn about VCU’s finances, visit about.finance.vcu.edu.

VCU is proud to support and prioritize the hiring of veterans. As part of this commitment, your years of military service can be credited toward our leave plan, potentially increasing your annual leave accrual.

The position falls under the Associate Research Administrator classification within VCU’s Research and Innovation job family. For additional details, please visit VCU Human Resources’ Job Family and Salary Ranges here.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Day-to-day tasks will consist of assisting with post-award management tasks including financial reconciliation of assigned sponsored program indexes, grant management responsibilities (e.g. award review and setup, no cost extensions (NCEs) prior approval requests, re-budgeting requests, and effort reporting). The position will be responsible for the detailed review and analysis of award agreements and contract documents to maintain compliance with local, state, university, and federal regulations.

The individual will be expected to work collaboratively with VCU’s Office of Grants and Contracts to resolve accounting issues, as well as VCU’s Division of Sponsored Programs to coordinate the submission of post award administrative actions and reports.

As needed, this position will assist with proposal processing tasks including reviewing funding opportunity announcements, assisting faculty with budget development, reviewing proposal documents for compliance, and completion of internal and sponsor forms.

As a member of the CHS-SPO Team, the individual will assist in providing answers and education to College of Humanities and Sciences’ employees on issues pertaining to grants and federal compliance.

Typical Post-Award Duties

• Perform monthly financial reconciliation of assigned sponsored program indexes
• Fulfill grant management responsibilities (e.g., award review and setup, no cost extensions [NCEs] prior approval requests, re-budgeting requests, effort reporting)
• Provide detailed review and analysis of award agreements and contract documents to maintain compliance with local, state, university, and federal regulations
• Initiate and complete labor distributions and/or post cost transfer requests as needed
• Assist faculty with grant financial reports and other aspects of grants post-award (e.g., progress reports, renewal budgets)
• Initiate the grant close out process at the conclusion of research projects

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field or commensurate training and/or experience
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Knowledge and experience in working with grant and contract procedures
• Ability to apply and interpret university and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations concerning sponsored projects
• Open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures, exhibiting sound judgement without sacrificing accuracy or customer service
• Excellent computer skills in the use of MS Office with emphasis on Excel spreadsheets and MS Word processing
• Knowledge of various electronic sponsor portal systems
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to reason, think logically, and analyze situations to achieve resolution of problems or concerns
• Demonstrated ability to research, investigate, analyze, and evaluate all project related data regarding budgets and expenditures for each assigned project
• Exceptional communication, organization skills, customer service, and interpersonal skills
• Must have the ability to effectively and clearly answer inquiries of faculty, staff, and sponsors
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance (2CFR200), and Cost Accounting Standards
• Must demonstrate an interest and willingness to learn the ins and outs of post award grant administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
• Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA) or relevant certification in Project Management
• Prior experience in working with grants and contracts procedures and accounting
• Two or more years of experience in research administration

Salary Range: $50,300 to $68,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Other

University Job Title: 93412 - Open

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Angela Reynolds
Contact Email: areynolds2@vcu.edu