Grants Coordinator I

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: $67,000-$72,000

Position Summary

As a member of the Pre-Award Team, the Grants Coordinator I contributes to CUIMC’s research mission by supporting grant-related pre-award administrative activities for the basic sciences and other participating departments in VP&S.

In this role, the Grants Coordinator I will leverage strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills to assist faculty in submission and pre-award administration of grants and contracts. Key areas of responsibility will include assisting PIs in the development, review, and submission of grants; tracking and managing application materials; assisting with the development of grant budgets; and maintaining records. Through this role, the Grants Coordinator I can expect to build their knowledge of grants administration terminology, processes, technology platforms, and regulations and learn to perform the full scope of pre-award grant management.

Exposure to academic grant-funded environments and a background in biological sciences or business are a plus, but more important are a strong customer service focus, ability to work collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment, and initiative. 

Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grant Administration

• Trains under the direction of senior staff to gain a foundational knowledge and expertise in pre-award grants administration, with a primary focus on individual investigator grants. Stays informed about sponsor terms and conditions for submitting and administering grant awards.
  • Assists PIs in the development, review, and submission of all Federal, State, and foundation grant and contract applications. Manages timelines and the overall progression of submission to ensure the on-time completion of high quality, responsive, and compliant proposal applications.
  • Assists with preparation of grant budgets and budget justifications based on the aims provided and RFA requirements in full compliance with sponsor/donor and CU policies, as well as engages with outside collaborators and establishes subcontracts.
  • Maintains detailed, up-to-date records of PI’s other support, biosketches, and grant submission documents.
  • Responds to RFAs and summary statements and addresses issues prior to submission.
  • Ensures progress reports are prepared and submitted as required by sponsoring program.
  • Tracks the status of pending applications, follows up with investigator regarding review/funding status of application.
  • Supports investigators in responding to Just-In-Time requests.
  • Ensures files are complete for awarded applications, follows up with investigators and/or administrators regarding missing information.
  • Maintains standards: budget templates, standardized checklists for core staff and PIs tailored to the sponsor/mechanism, standardized filing system using shared drives, updated resources and facilities.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

  • Works collaboratively and cooperatively with faculty, grant writers, VP&S proposal development, SPA, and the post-award team on all aspects of grant administration.
  • Develops and maintains a positive relationship with funding agencies, collaborating organizations and multiple internal offices.
  • Demonstrates professionalism and accountability in interactions with internal clients through clear, respectful, and timely communication and responsive follow-up.

  Continuous Improvement

  • Participates in and/or supports assigned team projects and initiatives. Uses tools and reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure timely communication of issues and status.
  • Keeps current on all organizational policies, goals, and initiatives.
  • Successfully completes all required university and department trainings

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and experience. 
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Customer service orientation, with the ability to interact and collaborate positively, constructively and effectively with multiple constituencies. 
• Capacity to work independently and successfully within a deadline driven, multi-tasking environment. Ability to handle multiple projects and apply judgment to prioritize projects and tasks. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Strong commitment to fostering diversity and equity.  
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills. Ability and willingness to learn new systems and programs  

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an academic grant funded environment preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in biological science or business/administration degree such as finance, accounting, business administration, business, public health, public administration, or a directly related field.

Other Requirements

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.