Grants Administrator I

Job Responsibilities

Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Compliance/Grants Management Director, the employee will be responsible for providing administrative, financial and technical direction to faculty and staff applying or interested in applying for external grants as well as enforcing and complying with all sponsor and University policies and procedures applicable to managing federal and non-federal sponsored awards.

Job Functions/Duties/Responsibilities

Minimum and Additional Requirements

• Identify potential grant funding opportunities and disseminate information to staff timely as well coordinate the proposal planning process. Coordinates receipt of awards and supporting documentation, maintains proposal records and prepares reports for management as it relates to external funding.
• Monitors sponsored award expenditures to ensure expenses are properly charged and reimbursed, according to award terms and conditions and within budget limits and timelines. Manages oversight of subrecipients, including ongoing monitoring of spending and of special terms and conditions.
• Prepare monthly reports on the funded grant status. Serves as primary liaison with funding agencies; negotiates final grant and contract terms in consultation with appropriate agency authorities; Preparing financial projection reports to analyze spending trends. Communicating with PIs about budget projections. Reviewing and approving payments, including vendor invoices, individual reimbursements.
• Reviews current and pending legislative changes to stay current on federal research and compliance requirements. Attends training, meetings, workshops and conferences to stay abreast of current financial developments. Assists in developing and presenting information at workshops and trainings. Conducts training and workshops on financial and budgetary matters.
• Composes correspondence in response to general inquiries. Produces reports, mailings, correspondence or other written materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities: The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the Land-Grant University System and history, philosophy, organization and objects of Research & Extension. They must have a willingness to adapt to frequent changes in environment, people and processes. They must possess a working knowledge of research compliance policies and federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance and USDA-NIFA Policy Guide. The individual must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, as well as have the ability to prioritize across responsibilities and manage varied commitments along with deadlines. The individual must have knowledge of agency policies and regulations which pertain to contractual and grant activities and the ability to review and assess complex grants and contracts.

Education and Experience: The requirement for the position includes having bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, public administration or related field and experience in contracts and grant administration activities. The preferred requirement is a master's degree and 5 or more years of experience in oversight of contract and grant administration activities including both federal and non-federal awards.

Supervisory Responsibilities: The individual is expected to be self-directed, possess the ability to use a high degree of judgement, work independently with minimal supervision and handle complex confidential information. Must be able to relate to culturally diverse employees and their constituents. A valid driver's license and daily access to an operable vehicle which meets the SC Department of Highways and Public Safety Road laws and regulations are required.

Additional Comments

Supervisory Responsibilities: The individual is expected to be self-directed, possess the ability to use a high degree of judgement, work independently with minimal supervision and handle complex confidential information. Must be able to relate to culturally diverse employees and their constituents. A valid driver's license and daily access to an operable vehicle which meets the SC Department of Highways and Public Safety Road laws and regulations are required.

This position is a fully on-site role with no remote or hybrid work options. The physical demands described here represent the functional actions required to successfully execute the essential duties.

• Stationary Position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at an assigned office workstation for extended periods while reviewing financial records, building grant budgets, and verifying compliance documentation.
• Data Processing & Technology: Constantly operates a computer, digital calculators, and specialized grant management database systems requiring precise motor coordination and data entry.
• Information Audit: Must be able to detect, analyze, and interpret detailed financial charts, complex federal regulations, spreadsheets, and dense legal text.
• Communication & Collaboration: Must be able to effectively exchange accurate financial and programmatic information face-to-face and digitally with principal investigators, funding agencies, and internal accounting teams.
• Mobility & Facility Navigation: Must be able to move about inside the physical office environment daily to access shared files, office machinery, and attend internal research administration meetings.
• Document Transport: Occasionally moves or positions batches of physical files, audits, or grant documentation folders weighing up to 15 pounds.
• Commitments & Accommodations
• Essential Functions: All core duties outlined in this description must be performed on-site with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Our Commitment: We are dedicated to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment.
• Accommodation Requests: If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Human Relations team at 1-803-536-8358.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note: The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.