Job Abstract

The Grants Specialist is UCSF’s Office of Sponsored Research (OSR) institutional representative for faculty and is the primary point of contact for external sponsors and OSR Award Specialists and Associates. Reporting to a Team Manager and partnering with faculty and departmental staff, the Grants Specialist directs and manages the proposal process to ensure timely, compliant and accurate submissions. This includes budget development; interpretation of sponsor requirements; expert subject matter expertise in grants and contracts and strategic advice, as well as institutional review and signature; ensuring that proposals meet sponsor, UCSF pre-award guidelines and regulations. The Grants Specialist is the institutional representative through the life of the award. The Grants Specialist is a professional staff member, promoting a collaborative model of stewardship among faculty and staff and is an advocate for a responsive, effective research administration process. Upon successful completion of certification, the Grants Specialist obtains delegated signature authority and will be reclassified to a Research Administrator IV (PSS V).

The Grants Specialist uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and / or oversee research proposals, awards and / or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. Work on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires thorough understanding of complex regulations. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and / or multiple sub awards. Guides less experienced staff. Is eligible for delegated signature authority (may vary by campus). Typically works on complex proposals such as grants / contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards.

To see the salary range for this position (we recommend that you make a note of the job code and use that to look up): TCS Non-Academic Titles Search (ucop.edu)

Please note: The compensation ranges listed online for roles not covered by a bargaining unit agreement are very wide, however a job offer will typically fall in the range of 80% - 120% of the established mid-point. An offer will take into consideration the experience of the final candidate AND the current salary level of individuals working at UCSF in a similar role.

For roles covered by a bargaining unit agreement, there will be specific rules about where a new hire would be placed on the range.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

• Experience working with UCSF faculty and UCSF research administration business processes and practices
• Knowledge of electronic Systems used to manage research administration (e.g., eProposal, Proposal Express, Grants.gov, etc.)

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training that demonstrates the necessary level of analytical, problem-solving, initiative, judgment, decision-making, organizational and communication skills
• Three (3) or more years of related work experience.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Advanced skills in using software applications such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat. Ability to learn new systems with ease
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations including the application of cost principles
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in the development of complex budget estimations and projections
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting
• Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions and make appropriate determinations based on regulations and the particular policies, sensitivities and the needs of the department, School and UCSF unit(s) being impacted
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and communicate policies and guidelines effectively, both written and verbal. Ability to deal with ambiguity and the willingness to explore exceptions and options
• Independent judgment and strong organization skills, and customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas
• Strong and effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good leadership, diplomacy, judgment and decision-making skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong time management skills
• Ability to provide quality customer service. Ability to interface with various levels of faculty, staff and departments. Effectively balance customer service with regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative team environment
• Ability to work independently and possess a pro-active approach
• Ability to take and pass general research administration training