Job Details

Grants Research Administrator

This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day aspects of pre and post-award research administration. The role involves reviewing funding opportunities, budget development, coordinating subcontract arrangements, award verification and set up, preparing sponsor-required financial reports, index reconciliation, and managing various post-award administrative tasks for an assigned grants portfolio. The individual will work both independently and collaboratively with the team to fulfill these duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grant proposal processing tasks, including preparation of grant, subcontract, and contract proposals for new research projects and continuation/supplemental funding proposals for existing projects.
• Thoroughly review funding opportunity announcements.
• Assist faculty with budget development.
• Review proposal documents for compliance, and ensure the completion of internal and sponsor forms, such as budget justifications and biographical sketches.
• Prepare proposals in the university's grant management system, RAMS-SPOT, and/or directly in the sponsor portal, ensuring timely submission to meet grant proposal deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Office of Grants & Contracts to resolve accounting issues and coordinate the submission of grant proposals and post-award administrative actions and reports.
• Provide guidance and education to employees on issues related to grants and federal compliance.
• Complete other duties as assigned in a timely and professional manner.

Essential Skills

• Experience in budget management, pre-award research administration, and federal grants.
• Knowledge of complex budgeting, especially for 9-month faculty, summer salary, and graduate students.
• Understanding of federal agency document compliance (NSF, NIH, State).
• Strong communication and troubleshooting skills, particularly under pressure.
• Experience in financial management, research administration, reconciliation, administration, and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A degree in a related field and/or two or more years of experience in research administration.
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures while maintaining accuracy and customer service.
• Demonstrated experience working in an environment that fosters respect, professionalism, and civility.
• Knowledge of grant and contract procedures, and ability to apply and interpret university and federal policies.
• Proficient in MS Office, with an emphasis on Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with various electronic sponsor portal systems.
• Strong organizational, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest and willingness to learn pre-award grant administration.

Work Environment

This is a 100% remote position, providing the opportunity to assist the department with a pre-award backlog of research opportunities. The role requires supporting the team for six months, with the potential for a full-time equivalent position thereafter. The work environment is fast-paced, requiring sound judgment and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

Job Type & Location

This is a 6-month contract position based out of Richmond, Virginia.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 2025.