Grants Specialist - College of Health Professions

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Summary

The Grants Specialist will support the day to day aspects of the research administration functions across the College of Health Professions. The College has a $7M sponsored research portfolio that includes external funding from federal, state and foundation sponsors. This is an entry level position within the CHP Finance Team and reports to the Director of Research Administration. This position will be eligible for a hybrid work schedule once successful onboarding and training has been completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Grants Specialist will carry out a variety of supporting tasks within the CHP Finance team.  Primary responsibilities include the following:

70% - Research Records Management

• In partnership with the Finance team, facilitate the monthly research financial reconciliation process by pulling and filing Monthly Expenditure reports, pulling research purchase record back up documentation and appropriately organizing and filing.
• Compiling and updating investigator support documents (including but not limited to Biosketches, Current and Pending Support Documents)
• Comply with all department, school, university, and sponsoring agency standard operating procedures, policies, guidelines, regulations, and other related requirements

20% - Post-Award Research Administration Support

• In partnership with the Finance team, maintain an active and effective monitoring program in key compliance areas such as; award verification and set-up, review/submission of various post award administration tasks (research invoice monitoring, subrecipient award set-up and monitoring, close out processes, procurement activities) timely and complete reconciliation practices. 

10% - Pre-Award Research Administration Support

• Under the direct supervision of the Director of Research Administration, provide pre-award award administrative support to research faculty and staff.
• Ensure compliance with University, State, and Federal regulations; providing proposal preparation and budget development, including internal and external subrecipients, utilize RAMS-SPOT to key proposals.
• Accurately interpret sponsor submission guidelines adhering to published due dates.
• Maintain open communication with research faculty, providing a hands-on approach with consistent oversight throughout the submission process.  

This position is eligible for hybrid telework and the opportunity to grow their career within CHP research administration.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be used for any part of the application submission or process.

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent work experience in an administrative role.
• Proficiency and experience using Microsoft Word and Excel, Google Apps (Forms, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.) with the ability to learn new systems or software applications with ease.
• Basic ability to interpret and calculate data.
• Basic ability to draft and edit professional documents.
• Meticulous attention to detail as demonstrated by regularly verifying all work thoroughly to ensure accuracy. 
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.
• Ability to multitask and work independently using available resources.
• Initiative to pro-actively ask questions and seek guidance when needed.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an administrative/office position, particularly in research administration.
• Proficiency using a number of university-specific programs including Banner, RAMS-SPOT, RealSource, etc.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations related to research administration, including UMB and Cost Accounting principles.
• Experience in utilizing and/or developing Smartsheets.

Maecy Richmond
merichmond@vcu.edu
(804) 828-7247