The posting
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Job Description:
Position Summary
The Sponsored Programs Office supports the University’s research, creative, and scholarly activities by providing financial stewardship and compliance oversight for externally funded projects.
The Contracts & Grants Analyst III manages the post-award administration of sponsored programs, ensuring awards are administered in accordance with sponsor requirements, federal and state regulations, CSU policies, and institutional procedures. The analyst serves as a trusted resource to faculty and project staff by providing financial oversight, compliance guidance, award management, and sponsor communication throughout the award lifecycle.
This position manages a portfolio of grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, centers and institutes, fee-for-service activities, and subawards. Responsibilities include financial monitoring and reporting, award modifications, invoicing, closeout, and advising principal investigators on compliant post-award management.
This position is eligible for hybrid or remote work. Full remote work may be considered for California residents only.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Three years of progressively responsible experience in grants, contracts, financial administration, or research administration.
- A related graduate degree may substitute for one year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have experience in one or more of the following:
- Sponsored programs administration in a university or research environment.
- Post-award financial management and reporting.
- Administration of complex awards, including federal grants, industry-sponsored agreements, clinical trials, research centers, or international projects.
- Preparing, issuing, and monitoring subawards or subcontracts.
- Workday or comparable enterprise financial systems
- Interpreting sponsor regulations and federal grant requirements.
- Financial reconciliation, invoicing, and compliance monitoring.
- Sponsor financial reporting and federal payment systems, including Research.gov, Payment Management System (PMS), ASAP, Grants Online, or similar platforms
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Post-Award Award Management
- Independently manage a portfolio of sponsored awards from account setup through project closeout.
- Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements and applicable federal, state, CSU, and institutional policies.
- Review award documents and implement appropriate post-award financial and administrative processes.
- Coordinate award modifications, rebudgeting, extensions, and other post-award actions.
Financial Oversight
- Monitor project budgets and expenditures for allowability, accuracy, and compliance.
- Prepare financial reports, sponsor invoices, reconciliations, and other required documentation.
- Provide financial guidance to principal investigators and departmental staff.
- Support management of complex awards, including subawards, industry agreements, clinical trials, and research centers.
Compliance & Sponsor Relations
- Interpret sponsor guidelines, regulations, and contractual requirements.
- Communicate directly with sponsors regarding financial matters, award modifications, reporting, and compliance issues.
- Assist with audits, record retention, and project closeout activities.
- Identify compliance risks and recommend appropriate solutions.
Customer Service & Collaboration
- Serve as a primary post-award resource for faculty, staff, and campus administrators.
- Partner with internal offices to support effective award administration.
- Develop and deliver training and educational workshops on post-award topics.
- Contribute to continuous process improvement and outreach initiatives that strengthen research administration services.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Comprehensive knowledge of post-award research administration, grants and contracts management, and sponsored project financial administration.
- Strong understanding of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and higher education research administration practices.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound professional judgment.
- Ability to interpret complex regulations, contractual language, and institutional policies while exercising sound professional judgment.
- Expertise in financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting skills.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently resolve complex issues.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting competing deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
- High level of organization, attention to detail, confidentiality, and professionalism.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex requirements to diverse audiences.
- Strong customer service orientation and collaborative interpersonal skills.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and the ability to learn new enterprise systems and web-based sponsor portals.
Physical Requirements
- Work at a computer for extended periods.
- Communicate effectively in person, virtually, and by telephone.
- Read and review financial and contractual documents.
- Occasionally travel to meetings or training as needed.
This position offers the opportunity to support the University’s research mission while partnering closely with faculty and sponsors to ensure responsible stewardship of sponsored funding.
Hiring Range:
$70,304 - $92,000 annually.
If you like growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
Cal Poly Partners, an equal employment opportunity employer, is strongly committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce. The University actively encourages applications of all qualified individuals.
The department will evaluate experience and education to determine placement into appropriate position level. Subject to continued grant/center funding.
Cal Poly Partners provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CP Partners Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CP Partners cover a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information. Employee Benefits (sharepoint.com)
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer
