Contract and Grant Specialist
Lehigh University

Job no: 501914
Work type: Exempt Staff Full-time
Location: Bethlehem
Categories: Research

The Contract and Grant Specialist in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs plays a key role in the University's goal of excellence in research by providing a supportive environment for proposal review and submission; providing oversight, management and appropriate stewardship of sponsored funding; maintaining a broad interface with sponsors and the research and educational communities, interpreting, implementing and monitoring government and sponsor mandates as they effect the management of grants and contracts. This position functions with broad latitude using individual judgment and independent action and requires continuous education in the field of research administration. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

1. Administers, coordinates and facilitates proposal preparation and submission through direct counsel with researchers, authorized institutional representatives and sponsors
*Directs budget development for single-investigator and large multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary project proposals
*Manages and secures proposal subcontractor budgets and certifications
*Develops comprehensive budget justifications
*Reviews sponsor guidelines for specific submission requirements, including cost sharing and counsels faculty
*Coordinates with other University administrative offices to facilitate decisions regarding indirect cost rates (overhead) and any other deviation or exception from University policies
*Edits and proofreads proposals
*Coordinates with investigator and authorized institutional officials to ensure proposal submission is in compliance with sponsor guidelines and Lehigh University policies and is submitted on time
*Tracks proposal status and provides additional information requested by sponsors
*Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management to comply with University policies and government mandates
*Recommends standardized agreements, including materials transfer and confidentiality agreements, to faculty
*Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel such as government administrators, subcontractors and collaborator representatives
*Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents
*Authorized to approve and sign as Lehigh's authorized institutional representative for proposals requesting up to $500,000 in direct costs per submission; authorization is granted after approximately one year of on-the-job training, or at the discretion of the AVP
*Coordinates and documents cost sharing commitments with faculty, internal and external sources
*Responds to requests for research-related data
*Delegates duties as appropriate to support staff in the course of daily operations

2. Negotiates and accepts funded project terms and conditions
*Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives and partner organizations
*Negotiates with sponsors to determine final terms and conditions
*Implements and secures cost sharing commitments from internal and external sources
*Counsels faculty and the research community with respect to the terms and conditions regulated in funded projects
*Advises personnel of collaborating organizations on subcontract requirements
*Finalizes and executes subcontract agreements
*Responds to requests for research-related data
*Interprets University policies, government regulations and sponsor terms and conditions and advises Faculty and the research community
*Coordinates with Environmental Health and Safety and Risk Management to comply with University policies and government mandates
*Directs and advises authorized institutional representatives regarding legally binding documents
*Authorized to approve and sign as Lehigh's Authorized Institutional Representative for awards of $500,000 in direct costs or less after approximately one year of on-the-job training, or at the discretion of the AVP
*Negotiates revised budgets with sponsor in collaboration with Faculty and the research community

3. Monitors and authorizes funded project financial and compliance activities from project inception through closeout, including audit, if applicable
*Authorizes and produces source documents to establish new project accounts
*Counsels faculty and research community with respect to the implementation of the terms and conditions regulating funded projects, including allowable use of research funds and prior approval requirements
*Communicates sponsor financial requirements to research accounting and assists with accounts receivable resolution as needed
*Monitors and documents cost-sharing commitments from internal and external sources
*Reviews and approves expense transactions and reallocations for validity and availability of funds
*Reviews and analyzes current and projected budgetary needs, makes recommendations for changes and prepares reports
*Reviews and resolves research fund deficits, discrepancies and problems
*Maintains project files to comply with record retention requirements
*Directs and coordinates closeout of research projects
*Provides information to internal and external auditors
*Assists in and provides documentation for resolution of cases involving alleged misconduct in science
*Provides information of University financial systems and processes and responds to requests for research-related data
*Develops and maintains relationships with external personnel, such as government administrators, subcontracts and collaborator representatives
*Interprets University regulations and government mandates and advises faculty and research community

4. Maintains broad interface with federal and state sponsors, industry and the research and educational community at large
*Serves as liaison with outside consultants, sponsor representatives and partner organizations
*Assists investigators in interpreting the University's accounting system
*Confers with individuals and groups on financial accounting topics
*Coordinates meetings with departmental administrators on research "hot topics"
*Confers with Office of Technology Transfer regarding intellectual property, confidentiality and regulatory issues
*Monitors, evaluates and disseminates changes in government regulations and analyzes impact on University policies
*Maintains broad knowledge and keeps current of the research administration field
*Interprets government mandates and University regulations
*Participates in annual new Faculty research orientation program

Grade: 9 - 40

Position Number: S86760

Special Considerations

The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by the supervisor

Variable shifts/schedule; extended hours are dependent upon workload/deadlines

This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University

Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience

One to three years related work experience

Highly developed oral and written communications skills

Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations relating to contract or grant agreements

Experience in monitoring contract or grant budgets

Experience managing and maintaining software packages

Strong working knowledge of both Windows and MAC platforms

Ability to build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships

Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, time management and sound judgment

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position

All Lehigh faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot six months after their second vaccine; unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption from the requirement.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.

Advertised: December 01, 2022 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled