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NC State University

Contracts & Grants Specialist

NC State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, 27601

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Working Title Contracts & Grants Specialist

Job Location The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), North Carolina State University

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. More information about NCCETC is available at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu.

Application Instructions Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Please note: 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.

Job Responsibilities As the primary contact, you will provide independent and comprehensive financial and administrative management of the Center’s sponsored projects. You will serve as the primary contact for the Center, which requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and university regulations to ensure compliance and successful project execution.

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)

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

Additional Responsibilities

Assist and serve as backup 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 Documents

Cover Letter

Resume

Contact Information for References

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. 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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