Grants Assistant

The Fiscal Administration Department of the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) at the University of Minnesota invites applications for the Grants Assistant. This position assists with pre-award and post-award grant processes for the College of Liberal Arts. Responsibilities include preparing sponsored project proposals through the University's Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) specializing in fellowships and private foundation awards, and monitoring the submission of proposals following the sponsor and University processes.

In addition, the Grants Assistance supports communication and some post-award management activities including award setup, review of NOGA, and communication with accountants and departments about awards. This position reports to the Grants Management Coordinator.

Responsibilities
75%: Pre-Award, Proposal Preparation and Submission
Review sponsoring agency-specific guidance, policies, procedures, and instructions to ensure understanding of the sponsor's eligibility criteria, required documents, and deadline.
Develop budgets for various types of proposals with an emphasis on fellowships and private foundations ensuring adherence to sponsor and University research/policies/procedure including personnel categories, effort, cost sharing, charging direct and indirect costs, F&A calculation, and justifications; working knowledge of pertinent federal regulations (including allowability, allocability and reasonableness of costs).
Use the University MN-GEMS tools to prepare proposals. Understand budget categories related to the University's chart of accounts and how to enter budgets in MN-GEMS.
Monitor the routing and review of proposals in the MN-GEMS system and track them as they move through SPA; respond to SPA and sponsors as needed.
Serve as a backup to the Grants Management Coordinator as needed, especially when out of office.

20%: Coordination and Communications
Work closely with CLA's Financial Service Teams on processes related to post-award grant administration.
Work closely with the Grants Management Coordinator on grant monitoring with a focus on pending fellowships.
Alert the Grants Management Coordinator of any questions or concerns that arise during post-award.
Communicate the internal process with PIs and connect them with their accounting team.

5%: Post-Award/Compliance / Accountability
Respond to SPA's request for revised documents needed by sponsors to set up awards. Ensure timely submission of required documents.
Develop revised budgets/obtain revised budgets from sub-recipients if needed. Understand cost share implications and F&A impacts.

Required Qualifications:
BA/BS plus at least two years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least six years.
Two years of experience working with grant processing and sponsored project management, preferably in a higher education setting
Experience with grant management software (i.e. MN-GEMS), development of budgets, sponsored project rules and regulations, and policy compliance.
Good project and time management skills.
Strong ability to adhere to strict deadlines
Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:
One or more years of experience assisting faculty/individuals in navigating grant processes.
Proven ability to work successfully with a variety of individuals with varying levels of grants management understanding
Experience creating financial reports using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
Experience using Google Workspace applications (Gmail, Google docs, sheets, etc.)
Strong ability to interpret, communicate, and apply related policies and procedures
Experience working with a variety of granting agencies from several disciplines.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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