Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech is recruiting for the position of Grants Specialist. The primary responsibility of this position is the coordination of proposal submissions, pre-award and post-award management for externally funded research grants and contracts.

The grants specialist will report directly to the Department Head and work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and the Assistant Director of Business Operations to provide support for Principal Investigator(s). The primary responsibilities include preparation of proposals for funding and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies, procedures and requirements. Budget preparation, coordination of proposal elements and timely submission of proposals are central to the position. In addition, this position will be responsible for approval of research expenditures, including fiscal and payroll transactions, re-budgeting, subcontracts, award transfers, and facilitating progress and closeout reports. This position will also be responsible for managing Effort Reporting in accordance with the Office of Sponsored Programs.

The ability to juggle multiple demands within tight deadlines is a necessary skill, as well as the ability to prioritize workload. This position manages multiple time-sensitive issues, exercises judgment within defined policies and procedures, and determines appropriate action required to bring grants to fulfillment.

Bachelor’s degree or significant work experience with emphasis in accounting, finance, or government/business regulations and administration. Must be able to independently set priorities, manage tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy. Experience providing fiscal support such as budgeting, reconciliation, and reporting is required. Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, ability to work as part of a team, and the desire to work in a research environment. The successful candidate will have strong communications skills, ability to respond effectively to guidance and direction, and work with a customer service mindset. Experience with pre- and post-award management of federal grant and contract proposals (e.g., National Institutes of Health [NIH], United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], Department of Defense [DoD], National Science Foundation [NSF], etc.) is required.

Experience in higher education. Certified Research Administrator (CRA). Demonstrated experience with nonfederal grants (American Heart Association [AHA], American Diabetes Association [ADA], Robert Wood Johnson Foundation [RWJF]) and/or contract regulations. Knowledge of university administrative and/or accounting practices and procedures.

4

Restricted

50,000 - 65,000

11/04/2024 (open until filled)

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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