The Office of the Vice President for Research, Sponsored Program Services (OVPR-SPS) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) is seeking an experienced Grants and Contracts Specialist who is highly motivated with a pre-award skillset to join our Pre-Award Services Team.

Under the direction of a Team Lead supervisor in the OVPR-SPS, this position provides specialized professional administrative guidance, oversight and assistance to faculty, department administrators and shared service staff to facilitate University research and sponsored program activity, in accordance with federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines and University policy and procedure.

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant college and member of the Space Grant Consortium, and is ranked among the top 20 public universities in the nation according to the 2017 U.S. News and World Report. In support of an ambitious state investment in economic development, higher education, and research, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks highly motivated, skilled, and engaged individuals to work within an increasingly diverse and complex research environment. www.research.uconn.edu

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Providing technical assistance to faculty, department administrators and shared service staff with the development and submission of accurate grant and contact proposals and budgets to external sponsors; maintaining current knowledge of federal and state laws, sponsor guidelines and University policy and procedures; maintaining superior customer service orientation; exercising sound judgment in clarifying and resolving issues of concern; making recommendations for improvement of current practices; maintaining complete records and documentation; and other duties as assigned.

Additional duties performed at the level of Grants and Contracts Specialist 2 (UCP 7) include: handling of a project portfolio of significant complexity, requiring an advanced level of knowledge and experience; coordinating and assisting with prioritizing team workload and/or implementing, managing, and being a change agent of a functional, operational or high-risk area of responsibility (i.e., cost sharing, over the cap salaries, and new electronic systems, etc.); developing and presenting training materials and serving as a resource to colleagues both internal and external to Sponsored Program Services; contributes to workflow, business process and policy improvements.

For a full list of duties and responsibilities please refer to the position descriptions located at http://research.uconn.edu/careers/ .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience, or eight years of recent relevant experience in a business organization or government agency performing grants and contracts administration; thorough knowledge of federal laws and regulations pertaining to grant and contract administration; customer service orientation and experience working with a diverse constituency; excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills; effective time management, follow-through and organizational skills; ability to work well flexibly, independently, and as a contributing member of a team; thorough working knowledge of PC-based tools including Microsoft Office Suite; ability to problem-solve and maintain professional composure while working under pressure of internal and external deadlines; ability to adhere to work schedule during business hours of operation with schedule flexibility to ensure that deadlines can be met.

Additional minimum qualifications to be considered for the rank of Grants & Contracts Specialist 2 (UCP 7) include: Ability to write and interpret technical contract language and understand its implications; in-depth knowledge of OMB Circular A-81 (Uniform Guidance); ability to effectively communicate with and serve as liaison between granting agencies, University Administration and principal investigators; ability to develop and deliver technical training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree; Certified Research Administrator certification; direct experience with grant and contract administration in an institution of higher education; experience with electronic research administration systems (such as grants.gov, Fastlane, eRA Commons); experience with InfoEd research administration system; knowledge of OMB Circular A-81 (Uniform Guidance); knowledge of current trends and developments in research administration; experience working in an institution of higher education.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Rank and salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TO APPLY

Applications must be submitted through the UConn Jobs website at: http://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/, and must include a cover letter and resume demonstrating how the qualifications and requirements of the position are met, and contact information for three professional references.

For confidential inquiries or additional information please contact:

Laurie Pudlo, Administrative Manager
Office of the Vice President for Research
University of Connecticut
laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu
860-486-4247

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2017506)

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 24, 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 honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes 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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