Sponsored research at UConn has grown substantially in volume and complexity in recent years. In order to meet the increasing challenges facing faculty in their efforts to pursue competitive funding opportunities, The Office of the Vice President for Research- Faculty Services (OVPR FS) has been established to provide comprehensive grants management support to departments throughout the University. OVPR FS is a new organization with the mission to grow and support the research enterprise by providing excellent, consistent proposal development and award management support for University faculty.

Reporting to the Team Leader of Faculty Services, the Grants and Contracts Specialist 1's provide direct professional support and guidance in the administrative preparation and submission of proposals and may also support the administration of grants, contracts and related funds to faculty and staff in an assigned portfolio of departments. These positions provide a high level of client satisfaction through strong relationship management skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Advise, guide and assist faculty and administrators seeking external funding for research and other sponsored projects through the complex process of proposal preparation and submission. The Grants and Contracts Specialist is the primary source of expertise to ensure that proposals meet sponsor requirements; regulatory compliance requirements, University, School, Federal and State policies and regulations governing sponsored research; and that proposals are submitted correctly and according to appropriate deadlines.
2. Review and prepare grant and contract proposals to sponsors; consult with appropriate managerial staff on any exceptions to University policy, including program matching commitments, facilities and administrative rates, etc. Ensure all required documents are completed and that information is entered into the appropriate data systems.
3. Cultivate and maintain strong working partnerships and effective communications with faculty, Principal Investigators, sponsors, OVRP Sponsored Program Services (SPS), and other key stakeholders.
4. Provide direction, training and assistance to Principal Investigators and department staff in the development of proposals, including but not limited to budgeting, interpretation of sponsor terms and policies, and University policies and procedures. Obtain all necessary clearances prior to obtaining authorization for submission. Facilitate an effective transfer of grants and contracts when Principal Investigators arrive at UConn.
5. Review terms and conditions on proposal solicitations and award documents as appropriate. Collaborate with SPS to negotiate terms as necessary for interdisciplinary, complex and non-standard proposals and partner with SPS to facilitate agreements, including subcontracts, clinical trials and State agreements to ensure conformity with University policies.
6. Play a key role in the development and continuous improvement of the grants management process. Review and analyze client interactions, current processes and submission quality. Make recommendations for and participate in the implementation of changes as appropriate.
7. Analyze and understand complex information from multiple sources including funding opportunity announcements, funding interest matches, and submission procedures in order to transmit proposals to SPS that require little to no corrections prior to proposal submission. Obtain and communicate information on sponsor electronic research processes and procedures.
8. Keep abreast of laws, regulations, external and internal policies and procedures governing the administration of grants and contracts. Ensure that key personnel are compliant with regulatory, University and other training mandates.
9. Partner with SPS in working with sponsors on matters of proposal submission.
10. Serve as backup to other OVPR FS personnel for a variety of managerial and professional duties
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and day-to-day experience timely and accurately processing financial transactions, including interpreting and preparing budgets and financial reports.
2. Experience working in an area of higher education, business, industry, governmental/regulatory agency or similarly complex organization.
3. Knowledge of federal laws and regulatory requirements governing the management of grants and contracts, GASB, or demonstrated translatable equivalent.
4. Excellent interpersonal and technical communication skills.
5. Commitment to customer service, with excellent, detail and deadline-oriented organizational skills and follow-through.
6. Ability to proactively demonstrate independent initiative as well as serve as an integrated member of a team.
7. Ability to work a flexible schedule to ensure that deadlines can be met.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Thorough working knowledge of database administration and other related software.
2. Familiarity with electronic proposal development and submission systems (such as InfoEd).
3. Direct experience with grant and contract proposal development process in an institution of higher education.
4. In-depth knowledge of OMB Circular A-81 (Uniform Guidance).
5. Knowledge of current trends in research administration.
6. Experience working in an institution of higher education.
7. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
8. Thorough working knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at UConn Jobs at www.jobs.uconn.edu , Staff Positions (Search # 2018168) to submit a letter of application, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2018168).

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 PM eastern on October 23, 2017.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honor students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and instates serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.



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