Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Associate Dean for Research & Innovation for the College of Natural Sciences (CNS), the Grants & Contracts Manager leads a team of Grants & Contracts Administrators in analyzing and administering sponsored programs for the largest academic unit on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus. The Manager also supports a portfolio of sponsored projects - reviews contract terms and negotiates sub-awards; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; resolves award issues; ensures compliance with university guidelines; and provides training & guidance to university personnel on grants and contracts administration.

Essential Functions

• Provides direct leadership to the team of CNS Grants and Contracts Administrators, using familiarity with complex grants requiring extensive verbal and written communication with faculty and staff; assigns grant support responsibilities to the Administrators with a focus on maintaining balanced portfolios of sponsored projects among the team.
• Provides analysis for budget analysis and forecasting (e.g., under or over budget); interprets analysis and develops a financial strategy and plan for recommendation.
• Determines the process of evaluating projects, budgets, and other finance-related transactions to determine their performance and suitability.
• Develops and fosters a culture of providing timely, accurate, and insightful financial analysis and budget projections to the faculty Principal Investigators we support.
• Maintains and supports a portfolio of sponsored projects.
• Monitors operating expenses, prepares timely variance-to-budget reports, and advises on reconciliation actions.  In partnership with faculty PI’s, prepares and reviews regular financial forecasts to monitor grant performance as it relates to the budget and stated objectives.
• Develops and implements a system to monitor and provide Principal Investigators with budget updates.
• Troubleshoots problems in sub-contracts, payments, and PO processing.
• Works with faculty, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and optimize the use of funds as required; finalizes all expenditure activity of expired grants.
• Partners with the Human Resources team to ensure timely appointment of grant personnel and manage funding changes as needed.
• Assists and participates in grant accounting during the award termination process.
• Advises faculty in interpreting and adhering to sponsor and university guidelines, resolves issues related to contract compliance, and corresponds with sponsors and sub-recipients regarding performance issues.
• Serves as a liaison for faculty throughout the full life cycle of awards from proposal development to post award administration, award close-out, and award compliance.
• Acts as a liaison between Principal Investigators and the Office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) for pre-award/proposal matters, the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM) and Controller’s Office for post-award matters.
• Responds proactively and reactively to problems and concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support CNS’ strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
• Takes initiative and operates with self-direction.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field) AND at least four (4) years of experience in research project management, grant development, budgeting and administration.
• Knowledge of grants writing and project coordination.
• Experience with budget construction and monitoring, ability to analyze and interpret financial information.
• Ability to plan, organize and lead administrative activities related to grant development and administration.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management.
• Self-directed, organized, and goal oriented. Ability to recognize administrative problems and implement effective solutions.
• Experience with quantitative data collection and reporting.
• Prior supervision experience.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with post-award grant support, and managing finances with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.
• Experience with using PeopleSoft and Summit computer programs as well as Human Resources and other systems used by the University.
• Experience with preparing/submitting research proposals and budgets. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. research.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.).  Experience with Kuali.
• Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Salary Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.