Grant and Contract Professional 3

Serves as sponsored and non-sponsored grants and contracts professional for an assigned panel of faculty members and other principal investigators to support both pre- and post-award aspects of grants and contracts administration. Responsible for grant and contract proposal preparation and submission, as well as financial activity monitoring and reporting, including reconciling sponsored accounts and maintaining regular communication and reporting to project Principal Investigators (PIs) and other collaborators. In conjunction with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), this position handles carry forward requests, no-cost extensions, re-budgeting requirements, grant close-outs, changes in personnel, cost-share/salary cap compliance, and coordination of effort certification.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

• Pre-award Activities 45%
  • Prepare all documents needed for grant submissions and serve as liaison with SPA. Manage the proposal preparation and submission process from initial development through point of award for an assigned group of investigators including faculty, postdoctoral associates/fellows, graduate students, and other investigators.
  • Prepare grant and contract budgets and applications for a variety of state and federal government agencies, e.g., National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), National Science Foundation (NSF) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other organizations and foundations.
  • Handle ongoing annual reports (e.g., Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR), etc.), as well as subaward activity, contract set up, advance account requests, amendments, etc.
  • Collaborate with PIs, EnHS and SPH management, and SPA on communications that go out to the sponsors on behalf of the PIs and the University to ensure compliance and financial integrity, including re-budget requests, no-cost extension letters, changes to key personnel, requests for carryover, etc.
  • Maintain expertise on sponsor and University requirements and/or restrictions regarding PI/staff eligibility, cost sharing, budget limitations, other requirements and award terms. Communicate these requirements to PIs and other stakeholders. Proactively identify potential issues, use knowledge to interpret gray areas, identify solutions, and make recommendations.
  • Review sponsors' requests for proposals; prepare timelines for proposal submission; develop budgets; obtain subaward documentation; and coordinate with SPA throughout the process.
  • Manage the non-financial aspects of award setup and management, including submission of Just in Time information, other post-submission materials, and interim and final progress reports.
    
• Post-Award Grants Management 40%
  • Regularly reconcile expenses with budgets for each account. Provide timely, periodic financial reports and regularly discuss these reports with assigned faculty and other PIs.
  • Review contracts, invoices, etc. and coordinate with SPA on management of sub-award
  • Anticipate potential issues and collaborate with accounting personnel and other stakeholders to ensure efficient management of awards.
  • Ensure compliance with University research policies and procedures in all tasks.
  • Maintain electronic files on proposal and award activity and maintain pre-award data.
  • Coordinate with Project staff on budgets and grant modifications.
  • Provides and updates for Director, Deputy Director, Project Manager, or other staff
  • Monitor compliance issues, including Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI), Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), sponsors' public access policies, other support documentation, etc.
    
• Effort Certification Coordination and Payroll Updates 10%
  • Tracks effort allocations for faculty and staff within and across projects.
  • Coordinate effort certification for assigned faculty and grants, including managing and monitoring payroll distributions, effort, salary commitments, salary cap issues, and budgetary implications.
  • Communicate regularly with principal investigators regarding necessary distribution changes; process necessary corrections and set up required cost-share/salary cap correctly.
  • Approves effort statements in Effort Certification Reporting Technology (ECRT) system and ensures that all effort statements associated with HPM projects are certified and approved.
    
• Other Duties 5%
  • Assist with other grant, contract, finance, and administrative responsibilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Experience with pre and post award grants, including but not limited to, proposal preparation (developing, editing, and finalizing proposals and budgets) and submission, monitoring and reporting on financial activity, and regular reconciliation of expenditures on projects funded by a variety of sources, including federal agencies.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with complex and sensitive issues.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written communication
• Demonstrated proficiency of skills with Google Workspace, as well as Microsoft applications, particularly Excel.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education institution and understanding academic culture.
• Current or past sponsored projects-related work in a higher education setting.
• Familiarity with Minnesota Grants Electronic Management System (MN-GEMS), Enterprise Financial System (EFS), UM Reports/UM Analytics, and other University of Minnesota systems.
• Familiarity with Application Submission System & Interface for Submission Tracking (ASSIST), grants.gov, eRA Commons, and other federal systems.
• Certified Approver certification.

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) is Minnesota's only school of public health, committed to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Through innovative research, learning, and concrete action, we tackle today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions: Biostatistics & Health Data Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Community Health, and Health Policy & Management.

Ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report as the #6 public school of public health, SPH is home to approximately 1,000 students, 130 faculty, and 400 staff across 25 internationally recognized centers. Our academic excellence is highlighted by our #3-ranked Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and #9-ranked Biostatistics programs.

Pay Range: $75,000 per year - $96,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please include a resume and cover letter for consideration.

Please note: Currently, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.