California State University, Fullerton · 8 hours ago
Grants and Contracts Officer (Research and Sponsored Programs Administration Professional III)
California State University, Fullerton is a comprehensive University dedicated to shaping the future of education and fostering a vibrant community. The Grants and Contracts Officer will provide essential support in proposal development, contract negotiation, and ensuring compliance with regulations while serving as a liaison between the University and funding agencies.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Provides high-quality support and customer service to faculty, staff, and funding agency sponsor representatives
Serves as the primary contact for selected colleges or campus units in preparing, reviewing, and submitting proposals to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and University policies
Provides advice and assistance to faculty, administrators, and staff with all aspects of proposal preparation, including but not limited to interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines, budget development, and review, completion of required forms, assurances and certifications, collection of necessary or pertinent data, and compilation of and review of proposal components for consistency and compliance with sponsor guidelines
Identifies areas of risk and/or concern prior to proposal submission and ensures timely submission of accurate proposals
Coordinates the campus approval processes for proposals via Cayuse S2S, and other pertinent pre-award documents
Serves as primary administrative contact and liaison between the University and sponsors at the proposal stage
Identify and serve as liaison in matters involving Conflict of Interest, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Biosafety, and Responsible Conduct of Research for assigned departments and units
Drafts, reviews, analyzes, negotiates, and recommends grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other agreements for acceptance by the CSUF Auxiliary Services Corporation (ASC) on behalf of the University
Provides training for faculty and staff in all pre-award processes and procedures
Completes registration to appropriate sponsor systems as needed
Issues account for faculty, administrators, and staff to appropriate sponsor systems such as eRA Commons, Research.gov, and other systems as needed
Assists in logistical preparation for various campus-wide events, workshops, and meetings
Serves as the lead in drafting and updating contracts and various other bilateral agreements including, but not limited to, Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs), and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Secures concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices as appropriate prior to recommending acceptance of the award to ASC with non-standard terms and conditions
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and four years of relevant experience
Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis
An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis
Working independently under general supervision, performs advanced grants and contracts professional work
Independently facilitates and exercises authority over complex grants and contracts
Demonstrates advanced discernment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions
Provides regulatory interpretation, technical advice and ensures compliance with federal and state regulations
In collaboration with management, assesses, formulates, and evaluates grants and contracts programs, policies, and procedures
Decision-making is based on grants and contracts best practices; substantial grants and contracts experience; advanced knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations; grant and contract guidelines and standard practices; and university policies and protocols
Work is performed with minimal oversight focused on ensuring alignment with overall objectives
Handles multiple work priorities and may provide lead work direction with accountability for results
Advanced knowledge and understanding of grant proposal administration, budgeting, and post award practices and administration principles, concepts, processes, and best practices
Demonstrated competence in applying advanced judgment to resolve difficult and complex problems and issues
Thorough knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines
Ability to make recommendations for changes based on interpretations
Advanced analytical and organizational skills to prioritize and manage the fulfillment of a portfolio of grants and contracts and to successfully manage projects within time and budget constraints
Advanced communication and interpersonal skills, including political acumen to build partnerships and communicate effectively across all employee groups in a diverse environment
Ability to effectively present ideas, deliver training and successfully negotiate agreement on grants and contracts requirements
Advanced skill in effectively leading, mentoring or overseeing the work of others and training technical, professional staff, and faculty on grants and contracts practices and procedures
Advanced skill to appropriately use technology and relevant grant management software
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment
Preferred
Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and three years of work experience in a Sponsored Programs Office in a pre-award or post-award capacity at a university, hospital, or research institute
Extensive experience in reviewing sponsor guidelines/RPF, preparing complex budgets, and compiling and submitting responsive proposals
Experience in preparing complex budgets involving multiple disciplines and completing federal forms (i.e., SF 424 Research and Related (R&R), R&R budget, assurances, and certifications, etc.)
Experience submitting proposals in eRA systems such as Grants.gov, ASSIST, Research.gov, JustGrants, NSPIRES, etc
Knowledge of Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG, NIH Grant Policy Statement, and other federal and state regulations
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to take initiative and plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations involving numerous and diverse demands
Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with broad administrative impact and implications
Ability to anticipate problems, address them proactively, and develop appropriate recommendations leading to solutions
Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus
Proficiency in Cayuse S2S, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Sign, Adobe Acrobat DC, and Outlook
Ability to communicate clearly and establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with others
Benefits
Employee Wellness Program
Company
California State University, Fullerton
California State University drives workforce and economic development and serves as an intellectual and cultural center.
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Recent News
Orange County Business Journal
2025-11-05
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