Contracts and Grants Specialist

Department: Office of Research

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Position range begins at $53,000/year and is commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, 8:00AM – 5:00PM, Monday – Friday. Work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Story

In this role, you will provide comprehensive pre-award support for primarily grant and contract applications submitted on behalf of Wichita State University. Are you a problem solver? Enjoy the challenge of multiple projects and meeting their deadlines? This position will be responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of pre-award grant and contract functions, including ensuring all applications comply with sponsor and University guidelines, and State and Federal rules and regulations. In this role, you will be part of a team that makes it possible for Wichita State and our industry partners to conduct research and projects that will improve and change the community of Wichita, health, education, and technology for Kansas, the US and possibly the world!

Job Summary

Writes, reviews, and negotiates contracts pertaining to grants, sponsored research, service activities and other initiatives. Facilitates grant proposal development and fund sourcing as well as campus training efforts. Researches and interprets regulations, guidelines, and standards and oversees the processing or contracts and/or grants.

Essential Functions

Writes, reviews, and negotiates contracts, grants, and other sponsored awards. Reviews, assembles, and submits proposals on behalf of the University. Delivers education and guidance to faculty, research staff, departments, and administrators in development of competitive proposals and award administration of projects as well as funding policies, rules, and regulations. Researches and facilitates compliance with University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations in the daily operations of the contract and/or grant lifecycle. Advises leadership regarding potential conflicts of interest and time and dispute resolutions. Assists with the production of reports, proposals, and analyses for the University and for federal, state, educational, and other funding and regulatory agencies. Collects and prepares required documentation for proposals and contracts. Develops and reviews budget pertaining to the sponsored awards.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business or related field

Two (2) years of experience in proposal development, research compliance, contract drafting or related field

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Proficiency in negotiation and contract negotiation techniques sufficient to deal with high-level business, industry, scientific and/or government officials or proficiency in proposal and budget development experience.
Computer proficiencies to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet, and other forms of electronic communication.
Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and maintain high output when working autonomously.
Ability to provide excellent customer service.
Ability to multi-task with a common-sense approach to prioritizing.
Advanced grammar and writing, excellent verbal, interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position.

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.

Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.