Contracts & Grants Specialist

Posting Information: PG194395EP;

Working Title:

Contracts & Grants Specialist;
Anticipated Hiring Range: $58,000 - $63,000;

Schedule:

Mon – Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM;

Location:

Raleigh, NC;
Department:
North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center.

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at N.C. State University advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating, and providing research and technical support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. The Center focuses on Renewable Energy, Clean Power & Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Green Building, Economic Development, Energy Policy, Workforce Development, and Education & Outreach. For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Center seeks a highly organized and experienced Pre‑Award & Post‑Award Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage all aspects of sponsored research administration and serve as the primary contact for the Center.

• Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission
• Support Principal Investigators with budget development, cost proposals, and budget justifications
• Draft and manage receipt‑based service contracts and subcontracts; process fee‑for‑service invoicing
• Review sponsor requirements to ensure proposals align with federal, state, and University guidelines
• Manage pre‑award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms)

• Manage financial oversight of active grants and contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Monitor budgets, reconcile accounts, and review expenses in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NCSU policies
• Prepare financial, variance, and forecasting reports to support project planning and decision‑making
• Review expenditures, travel, and reimbursements for allowability and compliance
• Process effort and cost‑share reporting and maintain required documentation
• Support award modifications, including re‑budgeting, extensions, and funding adjustment

• Administer sponsored projects from award setup through close‑out
• Ensure timely and accurate close‑out of awards, including final financial reviews and approvals
• Maintain documentation and internal controls that support compliance and audit readiness

• Serve as a primary administrative resource for Principal Investigators and Center staff
• Act as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, college partners, SPARCS, and central research offices
• Provide guidance on administrative processes, allowable costs, and sponsored project requirements
• Support onboarding and training of Center staff on research administration practices

• Assist and serve as back‑up to the Center Finance & Business Manager on accounting matters, including as Pcard reconciler
• May serve as a Pcard holder for sponsored project related expenses and as backup to the Center Finance & Business Manager

Minimum

Education and Experience:

post‑baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.

• Demonstrated experience in contract and grant administration within a university or non‑profit research setting
• Solid knowledge of federal and agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and FAR
• Proficiency with research administration systems and sponsor submission platforms (e.g., PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, People Soft Financials)
• Strong financial and analytical skills to manage complex project budgets, forecasting, and reporting
• Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey regulatory and financial guidance to faculty and staff
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, finance, public administration, or a STEM discipline)
• 5 years of experience in research administration or grant/contract…