Job Description
GRANTS & CONTRACTS OFFICER
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
General Responsibilities:
To provide pre-award and non-financial post-award guidance and processing of simple to complex research grants and contract applications, awards and agreements. To represent the University in negotiating terms and conditions of agreements with private and public sponsors. To assist faculty researchers with contractual matters related to sponsored research activity. To provide assistance, as applicable, to junior and senior staff in the administration of sponsored programs.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
1. Reviews grant and contract proposals, awards and other agreements for adequate documentation as required and for compliance with sponsor.
2. Reviews awards for subaward flow downs, including outlining, assessing and managing risks associated with issuance of a subaward prior to its preparation and execution, identifying potentially objectionable terms and conditions and determines the University's position and appropriate language, and negotiating with subrecipients' objectionable terms.
3. Interprets University and sponsor policies and procedures and serves as a primary resource for pre-award grant questions; communicates with and advises faculty and staff regarding pre-award and associated complex issues.
4. Provides technical and topical expertise, information, training, and problem resolution for grant and/or contract-related activities.
5. Identifies and reports potential problems, actions and policy issues which require clarification or corrective action; follows up on award and modification negotiations when responses have not been forthcoming from faculty or sponsors.
6. Communicates with and acts as a University representative to sponsors and campus personnel. Trains and mentors internal and external customers.
7. Enters and maintains data related to activities step-by-step as appropriate in the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
8. Reviews processes for efficiencies and assists in defining automation projects related to process improvements.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
Salary Pay Range: $57,940 – $94,150
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Science, or related field and five (5) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for the education requirement.
Preferred related degree:
Law or Business
Preferred related experience:
• Reviewing, managing, or administering agreements, compliance requirements, or funded projects, including assessing terms, identifying risk, ensuring adherence to institutional or sponsor guidelines, and coordinating required approvals.
• Engaging in extensive communications related to complex projects, such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, facilitating clarity between parties, and resolving ambiguities in scope, responsibilities, or requirements.
• Participating in conflict negotiation or mediation, including resolving disagreements over contract terms, managing competing interests, and supporting mutually agreeable outcomes in high-stakes or time-sensitive situations.
• Demonstrating strong workload management and organizational skills, such as prioritizing concurrent deadlines, managing a diverse portfolio of agreements, and maintaining accurate, timely documentation throughout the contract lifecycle.
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.