Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Position Number: 102974

Title: Contract Administrator

Functional Title: Contract Administrator (Senior)

Category Status: 33-Exempt Regular

Applicant Search Category: Staff

University Authorized FTE: 100

Unit: AGNR-Dean-Fiscal Office

Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Senior Pre-Award Specialist (PAS) will provide support to AGNR faculty members for pre-award sponsored projects and other restricted proposal submissions as required.

The Senior PAS will assist faculty members with the preparation of proposals and oversee the final submission to the sponsor. In collaboration with the AGNR Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services, the Senior PAS, will coordinate and serve as liaison with AGNR Research Office, Office of Research Administration (ORA), departmental support staff, department Chairs, agency representatives, and PI’s to respond to pre-award-related issues and questions during the proposal preparation and submission process.

As a member of a multi-person team, the Senior PAS will have primary responsibility for complex sponsored projects generated from specific departments and/or University of Maryland Extension programs within AGNR and will report to the Assistant Director of Pre-Award Services within the Dean’s Office.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Business Administration, Accounting or a related field.

Experience:
Five (5) – Eight (8) years of experience in Research Administration is required, including working with and managing grant submissions and two years of senior leadership experience.
Three to four years of progressively responsible experience in grants management, forecasting, budgeting, or reconciliations.
Prior experience working in a university setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proficiency with standard office and business software applications.
Proficiency and experience with electronic research systems such as Grants.gov/Workspace, Research.gov, NIH ASSIST, etc.
Knowledge of budgeting, particularly within categories pertinent to the submission of grant proposals.
Working knowledge of federal regulations regarding the financial management of federal funds, such as OMB Circulars and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
The ability to work collaboratively in a team unit and independently with minimal supervision, communicate both orally and in writing, interact professionally with faculty and staff, and negotiate successful resolutions to various situations while demonstrating high attention to detail.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and tact.
Ability to motivate others and promote teamwork.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others at various levels and disciplines, both within and outside the University.
Ability to review, critique, and analyze proposals for accuracy, completion, and compliance with policies and procedures.
Ability to provide insight to support decision-making for faculty on sponsored program matters.

Preferences:
Master’s degree.
Experience with Kuali Research.
Adept with Microsoft Excel.

Physical Demands
Typical office environment, occasional moving of boxes, computers, and peripherals may be required.

Posting Date: 04/14/2023

Open Until Filled Yes

Best Consideration Date 05/26/2023

Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.