Grants & Contracts Professional

The Grants and Contracts Professional is a split position between Research Computing and RIO Finance. The role is responsible for managing all aspects of the grant lifecycle, from pre-award proposal development to post-award grant administration for Research Computing as well as assigned units in RIO. The position is also responsible for non-sponsored accounting including reporting, reconciliation, and budget development for assigned RIO units. This position plays a critical role in ensuring financial compliance, facilitating efficient grant processes, and maximizing grant funding opportunities.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

65%-Pre and Post Award Project Management

• Serve as the primary financial contact for assigned units within the RIO finance
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and program staff to identify funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Provide guidance and support in the development, preparation, and submission of grant proposals, ensuring compliance with funding agency guidelines and deadlines.
• Conduct comprehensive reviews of grant applications to ensure accuracy, completeness, and adherence to grant requirements.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to gather necessary documentation, budget information, and supporting materials for grant proposals.
• Research and stay informed about funding trends, grant opportunities, and changes in grant regulations to optimize funding strategies.
• Oversee post-award grant management activities, including grant setup, budget monitoring, prior approval requests submission, and compliance monitoring.
• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of grant expenditures.
• Facilitate communication between principal investigators, funding agencies, and internal departments to address grant-related inquiries and resolve issues.
• Monitor grant performance against objectives, milestones, and deliverables, and provide regular reports to stakeholders, including data and recommendations to managers regarding account balances and budgeting practices.
• Maintain comprehensive grant files and documentation in accordance with organizational and funding agency requirements.
• Coordinate effort certification including managing, updating and monitoring payroll distributions, effort, and related budgetary issues; communicate with project staff regarding necessary distribution changes; review and approve effort cards for employees of the assigned units.
• Facilitate grant closeout processes, including final financial reporting, equipment inventory, updating payroll distributions, and disposition of residual funds.

30%-Non-Sponsored Accounting

• Serve as the main contact for assigned unit(s) in RIO finance cluster
• Meet with department administrators, directors, principal investigators and other staff to review financial status, initiate planning and problem solve.
• Oversee unit internal or external sales activity, review service rates, and manage annual billing.
• Assist with the annual budget process by completing required compact submission forms and developing the center's annual budget.
• Develop budget projections and prepare models for unit administrators, directors, and managers to assist with strategic financial planning and help identify alternative solutions when budget assumptions do not develop as planned. Identify solutions to unplanned events.
• Enter annual non-sponsored detailed and position budgets into PeopleSoft Enterprise Financial System
• Review proposed expenditures for compliance with budgets and University policies.
• Approve sponsored and non-sponsored expenses including Pcards, vouchers, and requisitions in EFS as well as expense reports in Chrome River. Communicate any areas of concern as well as recommendations to the supervisor.
• Assist with the maintenance of financial management systems and tools, such as spreadsheets, process documentation, and finance-related information on unit's Intranet
• Maintain non-sponsored chart of accounts, including establishing new accounts and closing obsolete accounts.
• Review and reconcile accounts and make any necessary corrections by entering journal entries or retro distributions directly into EFS. Enter or update salary distributions as necessary.
• Perform year end close out entries for assigned units.
• Provide exceptional customer service to all units.

5%-Other Duties/General Responsibilities

• Foster strong relationships with funding agencies, partners, and stakeholders to enhance grant opportunities and collaborations.
• Stay abreast of best practices, emerging trends, and regulatory changes in grant administration and management.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to grant administration.

Flexible Work Profile
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Full-time remote work is not an option for this position. Employees are required to work on-site at the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus in accordance with their approved flexible work profile. This role is a hybrid position and is expected to be in the office a minimum of two days per week.

This position is eligible for Flexible Work Profiles One, Two and Three.

Flexible Work Profile One: Office/Lab-Based
Employees are expected to work primarily on-site in the office or lab, with remote work occurring only occasionally and inconsistently. Your office location will be in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus.

Flexible Work Profile Two: Regularly Remote
Employees are expected to work on-site in the office or lab at least three days per week, with remote work typically one to two days per week. Your office location will be in the McNamara Alumni Center on the Minneapolis East Bank campus.

Flexible Work Profile Three: Mostly Remote
Employees are expected to work on-site in the office or lab typically one to two days per week and remotely at least three days per week. Your dedicated office space will be at your remote work location.

The Research and Innovation Office reserves the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis, at any time and for any reason.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM, with flexibility as needed.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least four years of professional work experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• At least one year of professional experience in pre-award or post-award sponsored grants administration in a higher education, research, or comparable institutional setting.
• Experience in financial management or accounting activities, such as budgeting, financial reporting, or expense reconciliation.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both pre-award and post-award sponsored grants administration, including effort budgeting, planning, and reporting.
• Experience in non-sponsored financial management, accounting and budgeting.
• Experience in a university setting and familiarity with PeopleSoft Enterprise System.
• Certified approver or experience reviewing and approving financial transactions.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and private funding regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience with financial analysis, accounting, or financial transaction approval.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and grant management systems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and resolve complex financial or administrative issues.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) oversees and supports the University of Minnesota's $1.4+ billion research enterprise across its system campuses. RIO serves as a central resource for conducting, managing, and sponsoring research, helping turn groundbreaking discoveries into innovations that address complex global challenges, inform public policy, and improve lives across Minnesota and beyond.

The RIO finance team provides financial support for the Vice President for Research and Innovation, RIO's administrative units and 12 academic centers and institutes. Our services include: fiscal oversight, budgeting, financial strategy and transaction processing.

Pay Range: $39.22 (Annual $81,577.60)-$46.14 (Annual $95,971.20); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

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, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.