NH Sea Grant and the University of New Hampshire are hiring a Grant & Contract Administrator II to serve as NH Sea Grant's Fiscal Officer.

Embedded within UNH's Sponsored Programs Administration and its Support Team for the Administration of Research (STAR), the Grant & Contract Administrator II (GCA II) provides excellent customer service to all partners, while performing research administration activities. This includes, but is not limited to, proposal submissions and budget development, monthly expense reconciliation, personnel effort review, and monitoring account balances. 

Approximately 50% of this position is dedicated to supporting NH Sea Grant as its Fiscal Officer.

The GCA II will be responsible for working with assigned departments as well as their Team Lead to perform pre- and post-award research activities. The position works closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), with a focus on decision-making ability and analytical skills ensuring that PIs have accurate and timely information to support the outcomes of their research.

This is a full-time position that will strive to meet the financial and administrative needs of Principal Investigators, including the NH Sea Grant Director. The GCA II will report to the STAR Team Lead (GCA III).

Minumum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in field related to finance or business and 3 years of experience in sponsored projects administration, negotiation, budgeting or related field.
  2. Good oral and written communication skills and financial skills.
  3. Good computer skills.
  4. Experience working with research administration software applications in both pre- and post-award.
  5. Working knowledge of the administrative components of a proposal including: understanding of standard proposal requirements, terms, and conditions; budget development and resource requirements; bio-sketches; facilities pages; and sub-awards.
  6. Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal, state and other sponsor regulations related to sponsored projects, including OMB Uniform Guidance.
  7. Analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience researching and analyzing data to develop accurate reports, identify valid solutions, forecast consequences of proposed action and implement a course of action.
  8. Ability to work independently in a team environment, take ownership of the resolution of problems, be flexible and accountable, manage conflicting responsibilities, prioritize tasks and consistently meet deadlines.
  9. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, administrative staff and students in a higher education environment.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of college/university business policies and practices especially in research administration.
  • Experience with Banner
  • Certified Research Administrator

Duties/Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grants Management 

  1. Manages the proposal submission process for PIs within their assigned portfolio, including meeting with the PI for budget development and discuss and recommend proposed resources (labor and non-labor), developing all administrative components of the proposal and coordinating submission to the sponsor with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), Pre-Award. 
  2. Meets with PIs at least monthly to discuss upcoming proposal submissions 
  3. May coordinate with Research and Large Center Development in advance of proposal submission (as applicable) 
  4. Acts as liaison between PI and SPA, Pre-Award to communicate and resolve any issues that arise concerning proposal submission

Post-Award Grants Management 

  1. Interprets awards terms and conditions and reviews budgets with PI; coordinates establishment of project accounts for the grant and sub-awards (as applicable) 
  2. Working with the GCAIII, manages grants by monitoring award and sub-awards for compliance, analyzing monthly financial reports, communicating with PI regarding financial progress and coordinating activities at the end of the budget period 
  3. Manages accounting records for all awards within their assigned portfolio 
  4. Reconciles all assigned accounts against the General Ledger on a monthly basis 
  5. Manages personnel and purchasing activities with the PI and applicable USNH offices; review and act as signatory (if designated by the PI) for budget summaries, budget adjustment forms, JVs, Travel Authorizations and Reimbursements, Invoices, Check Requests, Expense Reimbursements and Purchase Requisitions as necessary 
  6. Reviews, analyzes, and reconciles payroll distribution for faculty, graduate students, fellows and research staff on a bi-weekly basis and processes changes as needed 
  7. Meets with PIs at least quarterly to provide updates on the financial status of their accounts and provide financial projections and recommendations to support the outcomes of their research 
  8. Acts as a liaison between PIs and SPA-AFC and other units within the institution to communicate and resolve any issues that arise concerning expenditures 
  9. Manages effort report process to ensure accuracy and timely submission 
  10. Responsible for budget development for progress reports to ensure research project outcomes are met 
  11. Responsible for or to ensure submission of progress reports, program reviews and other activities related to the grant 
  12. Working with SPA as appropriate, with providing just in time information or other agency requests such as budget revisions, compliance issues, etc.

Other Responsibilities 

  1. Serves as a financial resource to department staff and faculty to ensure compliance with federal, sponsor, and university policies 
  2. Attends regular meetings, training sessions and professional development workshops/seminars to keep current on policies and procedures relevant to position responsibilities, as requested and approved by the STAR Director 
  3. Follow policies and procedures and guidelines put out under the OMB circulars and Uniform Guidance. Assist PI’s, program team leaders and others on the purchase of specialized (e.g. >$5,000) equipment, noting relevant regulations, policies and procedures. Manage and review all grant program income funds within unit, request any budget increases with SPA and assist PI’s in expending these funds following proper policies and procedures. In collaboration with the senior grant account manager, reconcile and close out federal grants and contracts in a timely manner, including verification of final expenditures and appropriateness of financial transactions.

Position Type

  • 100% (full-time, 40-hour/week), salaried, benefited
  • Salary range depending on skills and experience: $65,000-67,000/year
  • Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off
  • Negotiable hybrid or remote position (desk space is available at the UNH Durham campus if desired)

To Apply

This position is available immediately. Review of applications is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must submit an application through the University System of New Hampshire Jobs Portal, Posting Number PS4280FY24: https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/58372 

Required Application Documents

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter

Apply Here


The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the U.S.