Grants & Contracts Officer, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs invites applications for a Grants & Contracts Officer to join their team. The person assigned to this position is expected to be fully proficient in federal, state, and University policies and in University business processes, accounting procedures, and systems, in the administration of all standard sponsored programs. They should be able to operate with minimal oversight. They will have signature authority for the University and will operate largely autonomously in review, oversight, accounting, and administration and closeout of sponsored projects.

85% Post-award administration and accounting

The person assigned to this position will fulfill duties including, but not limited to:

• Award setup
• Award modifications
• Ledger and cost match review & documentation
• Invoicing and financial reporting
• Payments to subawardees, participants, and human subjects
• Processing graduate contracts, summary awards, stipends, cash paid outs, payments to state agencies, cost transfers, journal vouchers, Banner and UApprove approvals, and abatements
• Reconciling the advance pool
• Collaborating with assigned departments
• Award closeout

15% Projects and Distributed Support

The person assigned to this position will regularly be required to support colleagues within OSP in completion of day to day duties, or in completion of special projects to improve OSPs tools, processes, or general capabilities.

Required Skills

• Expertise in multiple federal agencies’ award guidance
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200
• Demonstrated ability to convene multiple stakeholders to effectively resolve complex issues
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions during stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze findings and draw conclusions
• Skill in the operation of personal computers and related software (Excel, Word, Access) with the ability to learn new programs
• Demonstrated proficiency in establishing goals and priorities and meeting multiple deadlines
• Proven written communication skills: business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation and composition
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Interpersonal and oral communication skills, including ability effectively communicate with a variety of personnel and funding agencies and to establish and maintain good working relationships

Minimum Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or research administration or five years of related work experience; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the competencies required to successfully discharge the duties assigned to this position

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree such as MA, MS, or MBA
• Related professional certification such as CRA, PMP, CPA

About OSP and UM

OSP administers institutional external funding (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) and ensures that such sponsored projects comply with internal controls and applicable policies and regulations. Responsible for the lifecycle of sponsored programs, OSP activities include proposal development, proposal submission, award negotiation, and award management and closeout, as well as mitigation of audit risk.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights

Position Details

Position Title: Grants & Contracts Officer (Budget Analyst III)

Position Number: 069380

Department: Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, 12 months/year.

Salary: $26.442/hr

Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE

Probationary Period: Six months minimum

Benefits Include : Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).


How to Apply

Extended Priority Application Date: Sunday, December 26, 2021 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by the ‘Priority Application Date’ will be guaranteed consideration. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates are required to submit the following materials online via "New Resume/CV" button.

A complete application Includes:

1. Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
3. Professional References – names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular