NC State College of Engineering
Contracts & Grants Specialist
NC State College of Engineering, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, 27601
About the Department
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), at N.C. State University advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing research and technical support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. This mission is accomplished through work in the following major program areas: Renewable Energy, Clean Power & Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Green Building, Economic Development, Energy Policy, Workforce Development and Education & Outreach. The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving Wolfpack community.
Essential Job Duties The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) seeks a highly organized and experienced Pre‑Award & Post‑Award Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage all aspects of sponsored research administration. In this role you will serve as the primary contact for the Center, requiring a deep understanding of federal, state, and university regulations to ensure compliance and successful project execution. You will provide independent and comprehensive financial and administrative management of the Center’s sponsored projects (Ledger 5 accounts). This includes supporting proposal submissions, overseeing financial compliance, and advising Principal Investigators and Center staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects.
Pre‑Award Support
Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission
Support Principal Investigators with budget development, cost proposals, and budget justifications
Draft and manage receipt‑based service contracts and subcontracts; process fee‑for‑service invoicing
Review sponsor requirements to ensure proposals align with federal, state, and University guidelines
Manage pre‑award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms)
Post‑Award Financial Management & Compliance
Manage the financial oversight of active grants and contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance
Monitor budgets, reconcile accounts, and review expenses in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NCSU policies
Prepare financial, variance, and forecasting reports to support project planning and decision‑making
Review expenditures, travel, and reimbursements for allowability and compliance
Process effort and cost‑share reporting and maintain required documentation
Support award modifications, including re‑budgeting, extensions, and funding adjustment
Award Administration & Close‑Out
Administer sponsored projects from award setup through close‑out
Ensure timely and accurate close‑out of awards, including final financial reviews and approvals
Maintain documentation and internal controls that support compliance and audit readiness
Collaboration & Advisory Support
Serve as a primary administrative resource for Principal Investigators and Center staff
Act as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, college partners, SPARCS, and central research offices
Provide guidance on administrative processes, allowable costs, and sponsored project requirements
Support onboarding and training of Center staff on research administration practices
Other Responsibilities
Assist and serve as back‑up to the Center Finance & Business Manager on accounting matters, including as Pcard reconciler.
May serve as a Pcard holder for sponsored project related expenses and as backup to the Center Finance & Business Manager
Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience
Requires post‑baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in contract and grant administration within a university or non‑profit research setting
Solid knowledge of federal and agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and FAR
Proficiency with research administration systems and sponsor submission platforms (e.g., PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, PeopleSoft Financials)
Strong financial and analytical skills to manage complex project budgets, forecasting, and reporting
Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey regulatory and financial guidance to faculty and staff
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, finance, public administration, or a STEM discipline)
5+ years of experience in research administration or grant/contract management, including interpreting sponsor announcements and preparing budgets or proposals
Familiarity with clean energy policy, contracts, or renewable energy research projects
Knowledge of state‑funded grants and foundation funding practices
Experience mentoring or training staff in research administration processes
Required License(s) or Certification(s) n/a
Driver's License Requirements Valid NC Driver's License required: No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date 12/19/2025
Anticipated Close Date 1/13/2026, if still posted applications are being accepted.
Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references.
NC State is closed for regular Business Operations December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Application review will begin immediately after NC State returns to regular business operations.
Contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or
workatncstate@ncsu.edu .
EEO Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
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Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving Wolfpack community.
Essential Job Duties The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) seeks a highly organized and experienced Pre‑Award & Post‑Award Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage all aspects of sponsored research administration. In this role you will serve as the primary contact for the Center, requiring a deep understanding of federal, state, and university regulations to ensure compliance and successful project execution. You will provide independent and comprehensive financial and administrative management of the Center’s sponsored projects (Ledger 5 accounts). This includes supporting proposal submissions, overseeing financial compliance, and advising Principal Investigators and Center staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects.
Pre‑Award Support
Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission
Support Principal Investigators with budget development, cost proposals, and budget justifications
Draft and manage receipt‑based service contracts and subcontracts; process fee‑for‑service invoicing
Review sponsor requirements to ensure proposals align with federal, state, and University guidelines
Manage pre‑award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms)
Post‑Award Financial Management & Compliance
Manage the financial oversight of active grants and contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance
Monitor budgets, reconcile accounts, and review expenses in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NCSU policies
Prepare financial, variance, and forecasting reports to support project planning and decision‑making
Review expenditures, travel, and reimbursements for allowability and compliance
Process effort and cost‑share reporting and maintain required documentation
Support award modifications, including re‑budgeting, extensions, and funding adjustment
Award Administration & Close‑Out
Administer sponsored projects from award setup through close‑out
Ensure timely and accurate close‑out of awards, including final financial reviews and approvals
Maintain documentation and internal controls that support compliance and audit readiness
Collaboration & Advisory Support
Serve as a primary administrative resource for Principal Investigators and Center staff
Act as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, college partners, SPARCS, and central research offices
Provide guidance on administrative processes, allowable costs, and sponsored project requirements
Support onboarding and training of Center staff on research administration practices
Other Responsibilities
Assist and serve as back‑up to the Center Finance & Business Manager on accounting matters, including as Pcard reconciler.
May serve as a Pcard holder for sponsored project related expenses and as backup to the Center Finance & Business Manager
Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience
Requires post‑baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in contract and grant administration within a university or non‑profit research setting
Solid knowledge of federal and agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and FAR
Proficiency with research administration systems and sponsor submission platforms (e.g., PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, PeopleSoft Financials)
Strong financial and analytical skills to manage complex project budgets, forecasting, and reporting
Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey regulatory and financial guidance to faculty and staff
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, finance, public administration, or a STEM discipline)
5+ years of experience in research administration or grant/contract management, including interpreting sponsor announcements and preparing budgets or proposals
Familiarity with clean energy policy, contracts, or renewable energy research projects
Knowledge of state‑funded grants and foundation funding practices
Experience mentoring or training staff in research administration processes
Required License(s) or Certification(s) n/a
Driver's License Requirements Valid NC Driver's License required: No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date 12/19/2025
Anticipated Close Date 1/13/2026, if still posted applications are being accepted.
Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references.
NC State is closed for regular Business Operations December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Application review will begin immediately after NC State returns to regular business operations.
Contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or
workatncstate@ncsu.edu .
EEO Statement NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
#J-18808-Ljbffr