Grants Administrator II - Office of Sponsored Programs and Research

Job Description Summary

The Grants Administrator II provides research administration duties which include but are not limited to: proposal submissions, budget development, post award management, effort review, report submission, closeout guidance, and financial oversight. This role will also provide guidance to the research community, and associated LU administrative offices, on regulations which govern sponsored program administration and compliance. The Grant Administrator II monitors and provides management and oversight related to federal, state, industry and private foundation regulations for sponsored program administration in alignment with LU institutional policies and procedures.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Facilitates awarded grant administration activities and ensures timelines are met.
• Disseminates relevant information to LU staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Interprets and ensures compliance with agency rules, regulations, guidelines, etc. Assists PI in award compliance.
• Assists with grant orientation for new PI’s and deans on policies, forms, and procedures required for managing sponsored projects.
• Coordinates and submits requests for No Cost Extensions, Carryover, budgeting requests, changes in scope, and other changes to the award; ensures all requests are done in compliance with sponsor guidelines and University policies.
• Assists with the preparation of funding agency reports both technical and financial, in conjunction with the PI and/or Contracts and Finance.
• Communicates with PIs on a regular basis regarding budget and expense adjustments and revisions including, purchasing reports, burn rates, salary, reclass requests, and expense allowability.
• Creates and reviews time and effort reports and manages bi-annual effort certification process for assigned units.
• Assists with Just-In-Time (JIT) requests as needed.
• Reviews and prepares quarterly reports and assists with annual reporting requirements.
• Maintains calendar of reporting and provides closeout reminders to PI’s for sponsored programs.
• Develops educational materials and resources to guide PI’s and LU staff on relevant sponsored programs guidelines and policies.
• Informs PIs of any compliance issues regarding grantor agency regulations, and disallowances with their program. Assists in correcting discrepancies and monitors corrective actions in conjunction with Contracts and/or Finance.
• Closes out all funded projects consistent with funder requirements and university processes.
• Pre-award activities including but not limited to: assisting departmental faculty/PI in the development, preparation, and submission of grant and contract proposals.
• Participate in discussions of standard policies and procedures with Legal, Contracts and/or Finance.
• Maintains necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials pertinent to OSP activities.
• Works with the Research Ethics Office to ensure compliance protocols receive the appropriate review and approval.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position is not responsible for any staff but may assist Grants Administrators with day to day activities

Qualifications And Credentials

Education and Experience

3-5 years of experience in research administrator or related field.

Four-year college degree. Master’s degree preferred.

Relevant research administration certifications preferred.

Well-developed communications skills.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills including competency in excel and relational databases.

Business and Financial Knowledge

• Proficient with grant budgeting, accounting, and financial systems preferred.
• Proficient with research administration software.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
• Ability to comprehend complex regulatory language.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. (If not administrative duties, such as labor, define general physical abilities.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lit, and the noise level is moderate.

Driving Requirements

Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Disclaimer Liberty University’s hiring practices and EEO Statement are fully in compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment preference to members of their own religion. Liberty University is in that category.