Grants Administrator

Title: Grants Administrator (OSP Senior Grants Officer)

Location: Cambridge, MA, hybrid – 2 days a week onsite

Industry: nonprofit / Biotech / Research

Required:

• 5 years of experience with federal grant policies and procedures, and working knowledge of federal regulatory environment
• Experience using grants software

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Industry experience in Life Sciences, Research, or Higher Education is ideal
• Workday Software
• Cayuse Software

This Grants role is pivotal in overseeing proposal review and submission processes. It involves interpreting and enforcing Federal, State, and institutional regulations, as well as providing education and training related to sponsored programs and proposal development. The position serves as a key resource for faculty and staff and acts as a liaison with funding agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Proposal Review: Assess proposals for alignment with institutional policies and sponsor regulations, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. Analyze proposed subaward arrangements, justifying costs, verifying rates, and documenting necessary elements. Conduct pre-award negotiations with sponsor representatives and ensure timely review and submission of proposals.
• Submission: Officially sign and electronically submit grant applications to external sponsors on behalf of the institution.
• Policy Implementation: Develop and enforce written guidelines for the preparation and submission of proposals to external sponsors.
• Conflict of Interest: Collaborate with relevant personnel to complete Conflict of Interest Reviews.
• Liaison Role: Act as a contact point for external funding agencies regarding administrative matters during the proposal submission and award acceptance phases. Review award terms for compliance with institutional policies and negotiate conditions with sponsors as necessary.
• Electronic Submission Systems: Serve as a resource for faculty, postdocs, and staff on electronic submission platforms such as NSF, Research.gov, eRA Commons, and other relevant systems.
• Support for Scientists: Assist scientists and laboratory administrators with all facets of administrative proposal preparation.
• Award Setup: Prepare checklists for data entry related to award information into Workday and research administration software.
• Collaboration: Cultivate strong working relationships with Lab Administrators and laboratory staff, presenting information and leading discussions at monthly Lab Administrator meetings.
• Professional Development: Engage in local and national professional organizations and user groups to stay updated on new developments and technologies.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field is required; four years of additional experience may substitute for the degree.
• Experience: At least five years of experience with federal grant policies and procedures, along with a solid understanding of the federal regulatory landscape, or an equivalent mix of education and experience is necessary. A minimum of two to three years working in a Central Office is preferred.
• Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, intermediate proficiency in Excel and Word, strong organizational skills, and the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must demonstrate self-direction, diplomacy with diverse stakeholders, personal integrity, sound judgment, and decision-making capabilities.
• Deadline Management: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.