Extension Foundation Hiring Grants Specialist

Grants Specialist - full-time position

Application Link: https://registry.extension.org/243017321075143

Application Deadline: until filled

Target start date: January 2025

Extension Foundation (EXF) is a well-established non-profit organization providing diverse services to over 100 public universities across the United States. EXF is a membership-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating foundation formed in 2006 by Extension Directors and Administrators. EXF partners with university-based Cooperative Extension Services to increase their capacity and offers exclusive professional development to its members. EXF has multiple sources of funding, including memberships and multiple federal awards.

Extension Foundation is seeking an experienced Grants Specialist to assist in the management of its sponsored programs, performing a wide range of pre-award and post-award functions. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working closest with the Grants and Contracts Manager, this position supports the need of principal investigators (PIs) for timely financial information in coordination with ExF accounting staff.

Essential Job Functions

• Serves as a liaison between principal investigators/project directors and administrative support, other Extension Foundation staff, and all sponsors (including pass-through entities);
• Confers with principal investigators/project directors and point-of-contacts at external-partner universities, agencies, and institutions to secure documentation and approvals for collaborative proposals (e.g., scope of work, subcontracts, letters of support and commitment, etc.);
• Perform risk assessment on grant award applicants:
  • Review the Federal Awards audit opinion and any deficiencies discussed. Determine the impact of findings and provide a summary of this conclusion. Confirm completeness of subawardee’s provided audit reports and follow up as necessary with institutions to obtain missing documents.
• Develops and maintains specialized databases for recording and tracking proposal submissions;
• Develops and maintains a library of reference documentation, including such information as sponsor requirements and forms, PI/PD profiles and curriculum vitae, abstracts, and other pertinent material;
• Assists with developing, writing, and implementing grant administration policies and procedures to assure compliance with funding sources;
• Assists the EXF Finance Team with the preparation of reports;
• Applies knowledge of relevant Extension Foundation policies and procedures in addition to federal and state regulations to (1) interpret funding opportunity announcements; (2) navigate sponsor guidance and policies; (3) assess and negotiate sponsored awards, contracts, and agreements;
• Remains current on issues in the field of sponsored programs/research administration;
• Assists with post-award functions as needed, including expense monitoring, budget management, sub-award management, financial reporting, record keeping, and project close-out.

Non-Essential Functions/Secondary Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with reviewing and preparing program reports as requested;
• Assists the Extension Foundation with ensuring research compliance issues are addressed, including human and animal subjects, conflict of interest and scientific misconduct, export controls, etc.; and
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties and/or assists with special projects as assigned by the supervisor;
• Assists with proposal submission in sponsor portals and/or other submission platforms and formats, including paper submission.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, preferably in business administration, public administration, or related business area or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• At least five years of successful professional experience in grant administration, federal relations or development, or a related field;
• Fundamental understanding of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Attention to detail with strong organizational skills;
• Skill in the operation of personal computers and related software applications;
• Database management skills;
• Ability to work well under pressure with frequent interruptions, prioritize changing workloads in order to meet tight deadlines, and work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to present accurate and appropriate information;
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in interpreting and applying operational policies and procedures with minimal supervision;
• Ability to utilize multiple sponsor and internal electronic systems and websites;
• Knowledge of grant funding policies and procedures and applicable regulations (local, state, federal) and university policies and procedures;
• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or community funding sources and mechanisms;
• Knowledge of budgeting and fiscal management principles and procedures;;
• Ability to work well with people with diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, a combination of the following is preferred: grants and contracts administration, proposal submissions, contract negotiations, and or/financial administration; proposal submission experience, particularly using Grants.gov and/or Research.gov. Professional certification(s) related to position (CIP, CRA®, CPRA®, or CFRA).

Remote work requirements (annual reimbursable allowance offered toward meeting these needs):

• PC: Capable of running current Windows or macOS versions; capable of running Zoom.
• Apps: Microsoft Office (2019 or newer) desktop applications. Google G Suite will be provided. Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Connectivity: Broadband internet connection able to support 480p live video
  480P (or better) webcam

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

Hours: 40 hours/week, non-exempt, benefits-eligible. 100% remote.

Benefits: health, dental, vision, flexible spending account, 403(b) retirement plan