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NC State College of Engineering

Contracts & Grants Specialist

NC State College of Engineering, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, 27601

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2 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants

Posting Number: PG194395EP

Internal Recruitment: Yes

Working Title: Contracts & Grants Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range: $58,000 to $63,000

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours may be required)

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) – a unit of North Carolina State University that advances a sustainable energy economy through education, research, and technical support for clean‑energy technologies and practices.

Benefits

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

Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs

Essential Job Duties

Pre‑Award Support

Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission.

Assist 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.

Maintain pre‑award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms).

Post‑Award Financial Management & Compliance

Manage 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 adjustments.

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

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

Valid NC Driver’s License required; no Commercial Driver’s License required.

Recruitment Job Open Date: 12/19/2025

Anticipated Close Date: 1/13/2026 (applications will be accepted until then).

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.

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.

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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