Contracts and Grants Specialist, School of Medicine

The University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Medicine, Shock Trauma and Anesthesiology Research - Organized Research Center (STAR-ORC) is seeking a Contract and Grant Specialist who will independently oversee the grant process from development, review, and submission through the post-award stage. This individual will provide guidance and training to administrative staff and research team in the creation, negotiation, and administration of grants, contracts, and research proposals and budgets including propose and develop procedures/practices to ensure research administration goals and objectives are met while complying with University, federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations and also assists in identifying funding sources.

The STAR-ORC serves as the research arm of the Program of Trauma and the Department of Anesthesiology as well as the National Study Center.  It includes Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research.  It works with diverse funding streams, including but not limited to NIH and DoD and NHTSA, as well numerous industry and foundation partners.

UMB offers a generous benefits package that includes 22 vacation days, 14 floating and holidays, 15 sick days; comprehensive health insurance and retirement options; and tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any of the University System of Maryland schools.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as primary resource to staff and faculty in development of grant and contract requests. Educates staff and faculty to ensure proposals are developed and submitted in compliance with federal, state, and other external sponsor regulations. Develops evaluation criteria for review of grant and contract applications.
• Prepares and reviews all sponsored project proposals for final submission to the Sponsor. Reviews for accuracy, content, adherence to institutional, government, and other sponsored guidelines inclusive of ensuring that all applicable direct and indirect cost rates have been applied.
• Provides groundwork for subcontract negotiations and assures IRB and animal protocol approvals are current and human subject effort reporting compliance training has been completed by personnel.
• Plans and develops proposal budgets and ensures expenditures are monitored and accounts are managed properly. Interprets data for the purpose of determining past financial performance to develop and prepare financial reports for financial analysis, forecasting, and trending. Devises financial reporting tools and reports. 
• May assist in writing narrative portion of grant proposals.
• Assists with metrics and tracking of grants and awards. Responsible for internal management reporting regarding submissions and awards.
• Liaises with campus Sponsored Programs Administration, Clinical Trials and Corporate Contracts, and Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance teams to ensure projects are set up and closed out accurately and in a timely manner. Interacts directly with designation sponsor representatives to clarify ambiguous terms and conditions, and to request supplemental funding, no-cost extensions, and other administrative requests.
• Remains abreast in and researches University, federal, state, and sponsor contract and grant regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Reviews and analyzes data to solve sponsored research problems; recommends and implements updates to workflow, practices, and procedures; prepares reports and summaries on research funding; and evaluates potential funding opportunities.
• Trains and provides guidance to less experienced employees.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Education: Bachelor’s degree. 

Experience: Three (3) years of experience working with contracts and grants, including budget and proposal preparation.

OR  Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered

Financial Disclosure: Required

Credit History Review: May be required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Possesses knowledge of position requirements and able to perform position in compliance with all requirements/regulations/laws.  Ability to maintain high standards with the work being performed and maintain awareness with trends and influences.  Assumes personal responsibility for all outcomes; makes effective and timely decisions; and learns how to effectively use technology.  Maintains productivity and uses knowledge strategies to increase knowledge base. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts.  Writes and presents information in a clear and concise way.  Interprets and understands written information and is able to listen attentively to verbal and non-verbal cues that lead to a deeper understanding. Ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrates professional, ethical, respectful, and courteous behavior when interacting with others.  Capable of interacting pleasantly and positively with other to meet customer expectations, and provide follow-up with customers. 
 

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a https://umbforms.wufoo.com/forms/umb-job-applicant-accommodation-request/" href="https://umbforms.wufoo.com/forms/umb-job-applicant-accommodation-request/" target="_blank">UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.