Grants & Contracts Specialist (2024)

We are seeking a Grants & Contracts Specialistwho will provide entry-level professional sponsored funds management for more than 80% of the time with specific responsibility for pre-award and post-award functions that include, but may not be limited to: proposal preparation, budget development, account maintenance and oversight, billing/invoicing, reporting, and closeout. This role may manage less complex grants through the submission stage, with the necessary oversight and direction. While this role may assist with some aspects of non-sponsored funds (general funds and gifts), the primary goal of this position is to support the timely, effective, and efficient functioning of sponsored funding. This is a non-exempt position.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

  • Partner with departmental faculty and/or budgetary staff toward the planning and development of application submissions to various federal offices, private agencies/foundations, and commercial companies. May work with representatives from ORA, under the guidance of more senior members of the departmental research team.
  • Understand and utilize institutional policies for the pre-award grant process and sponsor guidelines.
  • Review all sponsored project proposals for assigned grants of moderate complexity, before them being forwarded to the Grants & Contracts Manager and ORA for signature. The review involves accuracy, content, and adherence to all relevant guidelines.
  • Provide instruction, preparation assistance, and support related to grant application procedures, at the direction of the supervisor.
  • Serve as liaison between research units, central offices, and funding agencies for grants of moderate complexity.
  • Review budgets and related justification for appropriateness and completeness of content. Ensures that all applicable and indirect costs have been applied. Involve more senior members of the research team for direction, as needed.
  • Ensure compliance in all other areas related to grant and contract management, including sponsoring organization guidelines, internal protocols, accurate protocol information within grant documents, conflicts of interest, etc.
  • Coordinate related details for all assigned grant submissions to ensure timeliness and accuracy.
  • Maintain ongoing updates and communications related to current grants and contracts, this includes regular auditing and reporting to principal investigators and research management. May assist with closeouts as needed.
  • Assist with award setup details, after the grant number is assigned.
  • Support all relevant post-award responsibilities, as requested by senior members of the grants & contracts team, including account reconciliation, effort reporting, cost transfers, paying invoices, closeouts, and related faculty support.
  • Support faculty in collecting and reviewing required administrative documents for submissions to federal and private sponsors, working with the Sr. Sponsored Projects Officer.
  • Review sponsor guidelines and create checklists and outlines for proposers to follow.
  • Assist in creating and routing SWiFT records to JHURA.
  • Create shopping carts for subawards.
  • Act independently to ensure internal proposal deadlines are met.
  • Review new account setups for accuracy and distribute them to departments.
  • Special projects as assigned by the Assistant Dean.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

  • General knowledge of accounting and budgeting theory and practices required. General knowledge and understanding of The Johns Hopkins University accounting system and related fiscal offices are preferred.
  • Ability to understand when additional direction/expertise is needed on matters of complexity. Able to make decisions daily, within pre-determined guidelines and parameters.
  • Ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously and to meet various concurrent deadlines.
  • General understanding of external Federal Guidelines and procedures regarding grants and contracts.

Level of Independent Decision Making

  • Employees in this role function independently when working on less complex grants and contracts responsibilities.
  • General proficiency with grant/contract preparation and management is expected.
  • The Specialist has some involvement with more complex grant management, under the direction and oversight of a more senior member within the research function.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree.
  • One year of administrative/budgeting experience.
  • Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Some experience with sponsored funding.
  • Experience in higher education administration.

Classified Title: Grants & Contracts Specialist
Role/Level/Range: ATP/03/PB
Starting Salary Range: $23.43 - $32.23 - $41.02 HRLY (Commensurate with experience)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Exempt Status:Non-Exempt
Location:Hybrid/Homewood Campus
Department name: ​​​​​​​Dean Office of
Personnel area: School of Arts & Sciences

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEOis the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins has mandated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, as applicable. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.

Hybrid: On-site 3-4 days a week

Grants & Contracts Specialist (2024)

FAQs

What does a grants and contracts specialist do? ›

Reviews and evaluates grant or contract applications for conformance to established criteria and compliance with provisions of laws and regulations; ensures ongoing compliance with regulations and legal use of funds; confers with awarding agencies, grantees, contractors, and subgrantees on administrative procedures and ...

Is it hard to become a contract specialist? ›

How to Become a Contract Specialist. While many employers require a bachelor's degree in business administration or a related field, some entry-level contract specialist jobs only require a year of college business courses. Those employers may provide on-the-job training to give you the rest of the skills you need.

Why should we hire you as a contract specialist? ›

Answer Example: “As a contracts specialist, I believe the most important skills to have are excellent organization and communication abilities. I need to be able to organize all of the information I receive from clients into a format that's easy to read and understand.

Why would someone want to be a contract specialist? ›

The contract specialist role (sometimes called contracts manager) is a reflection of the central role that contracting plays in driving business growth, as well as controlling risk. While contracts are legal documents, they affect every part of the company, as well as its customers, suppliers and vendors.

How much does a contract specialist make in the US government? ›

How much does a Federal Contract Specialist make? As of Jun 14, 2024, the average annual pay for a Federal Contract Specialist in the United States is $81,298 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $39.09 an hour.

What is a grant specialist's job description? ›

Performs grant development and administration work involving preparing, maintaining, and reporting of grants; evaluating grant applications to determine appropriateness of grant or compliance with requirements and standards; monitoring grant awards; and serving as a liaison between funding sources and the state or ...

Is contracting a stressful job? ›

Between long hours, tough deadlines, a short-staffed crew and project uncertainty, working in the contracting business sure comes with its fair share of stressors.

Is contracts a good career? ›

Higher Pay

Another reason to consider a contract job is the pay scale. Contract roles often offer higher hourly rates or project-based compensation. Professionals can earn more in a shorter timeframe because of the temporary status of the job or the high demand for a person's niche skills.

What is the job growth rate for contract specialists? ›

Job outlook for contracts specialists in the United States

After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: The projected contracts specialist job growth rate is -6% from 2018-2028.

How do you professionally answer why should we hire you? ›

You should state three to four significant reasons why you are qualified for the position and list the skills that make you stand apart. Your exceptional qualities and strengths. Make a point of emphasizing your most exceptional qualities and strengths relevant to the position. Your achievements and accomplishments.

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position? ›

Offer a personal touch by avoiding answers that other candidates will likely provide. Stating that you work hard, enjoy your career and have experience simply won't cut it. Instead, mention personal experiences and achievements demonstrating your exceptional qualifications for the role.

What is another name for a contract specialist? ›

The most common job titles you can encounter include Contract Manager, Contract Administrator, Contract Specialist, Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Legal Contract Manager, Commercial Manager, Project Manager, Vendor Manager, and Compliance Officer.

What are the roles of a contract specialist? ›

The Contract Specialist is responsible for coordinating all activities associated with contract administration within a department. Responsibilities include negotiating, writing, monitoring and evaluating contracts including ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations as well as county policies.

What is the job objective of contract specialist? ›

These employees negotiate with organizations and individuals to resolve disputes, take corrective action when needed, negotiate contracts for supplies and services, and collaborate with teams to accomplish goals.

What is a contract specialist job description? ›

This position is responsible for helping draft contracts, reviewing existing contracts, enforcing the terms of contracts, and processing cancellation requests. The ideal candidate has experience in an office environment, excellent writing skills, and business acumen.

What is the role of grants and contracts officer? ›

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitate the life cycle of grants and contracts including but not limited to the execution and delivery of grants and contracts, reporting and close out of the agreements as obligations are fulfilled and/or agreements are terminated.

What does a grant and contracts analyst do? ›

The Contracts and Grants Analyst will coordinate the submission of proposals to multiple agencies, including the development of multi-year budgets, where analysis of financial information requires review of a variety of factors (e.g. salaries, fringe benefits, expenses, etc).

What does a grant and contracts manager do? ›

a. Oversee government and foundation grants, and submit accurate and timely reports as assigned. b. Prepare and coordinate the timely submission of grant agreements and reports, and other documents according to funder requirements.

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