Contracts & Grants Administrator

Contracts & Grants Administrator The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Contracts & Grants Administrator. Position Details Location Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States Division Office of Research Administration Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade E08 Posting Close Date Open until filled Special Instructions to Applicants Include cover letter and resume Job Summary The Contracts and Grants Administrator facilitates proposal development, negotiates agreements, and recommends acceptance of awards, while ensuring compliance with university and sponsor policy for an R1 university with approximately $100M annual external funding. The Administrator prepares and negotiates subaward agreements; ensures proper award management, assisting and advising on terms and conditions of funded projects, and initiating and managing non-financial award actions. The Administrator provides quality and timely service and engages with internal and external constituents (i.e. faculty, staff, deans, sponsors, subawardees) to communicate issues and resolve problems. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Prepares and submits proposals for external funding, including budgeting and form preparation and review, using electronic systems or paper process as required. Interprets sponsor guidelines ranging from simple to highly complex and provides advice and guidance to assure compliance. Prior to submission of proposals, ensures internal review and approval as well as compliance with sponsor guidelines and regulations, including but not limited to sponsor deadlines, Uniform Guidance, and Federal Acquisition Regulations. 2. Negotiates agreements for external funding, in coordination with the Principal Investigator, University Counsel, Office of Technology Development, and others to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, university policies, and best interests of faculty, staff, and the University. Recommends acceptance of awards and prepares documents for signature by the Vice President for Research or other appropriate University signatory. 3. Prepares subaward agreements with collaborating institutions where the University is the lead contractor. Negotiates terms to ensure compliance with the contract as specified by the sponsor and University subaward procedures, including but not limited to an assessment of risk. 4. Assists and advises Principal Investigators and departmental staff in conforming to terms and conditions of awarded funds. Initiates and manages non-financial award actions as required and in accordance with university policy and sponsor regulations (i.e., supplemental funding, deobligation of funding, extensions of project period, withdrawal of proposals, items requiring sponsor prior approval, modification of subaward agreements, etc.) 5. Provides quality and timely service to internal and external constituents and resolves problems or concerns related to external funding. 6. Stays abreast of emerging issues within research administration and communicates applicable policies, procedures and regulations to constituents. Assists ORA senior leadership with special projects including but not limited to testing and evaluation of computer software or systems, procedural changes, etc. 7. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience working with complex documents, advising on policy and procedure, and supporting other professionals Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business, communications, education, public administration, science, or other degree appropriate to research administration Experience in an academic, nonprofit, or government setting Experience in the interpretation and application of complex regulations Experience preparing/submitting detailed documents under tight deadlines Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with people from a wide variety of educational and occupational backgrounds (i.e. serve as a liaison between sponsors, university administration and faculty/staff) Ability to plan ahead, prioritize, and work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment in which workload ebbs and flows and can require performance of multiple tasks simultaneously (sometimes with interruptions) Attention to accuracy and detail while providing quality and timely support to constituents Ability to maintain confidentiality, and to understand, convey and advise on complex regulations, policies and procedures Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions, and effectively balance service with compliance Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word and Excel (i.e. use of formulas to create and manipulate working spreadsheets) and willingness to learn new technology Novice level use of a desktop, printing calculator or willingness to learn and increase skill level Travel is sometimes required, both day trips and overnight trips About The University of Southern Mississippi Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit . As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.