Sr. Contract and Grant Spec. & Contract and Grant Spec.

Are you passionate about fostering an environment of research excellence? Lehigh University, a prestigious institution renowned for its cutting-edge discoveries and scholarly pursuits, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Contract and Grant Specialist (Position Number: S81050) or Contract and Grant Specialist to join the growing Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. We are seeking to fill the Senior Contract and Grant Specialist role but are open to considering candidates who are willing to obtain the required certifications.

Available Position:

1. Senior Contract and Grant Specialist or Contract and Grant Specialist depending on current certification status.

This position plays a pivotal role in supporting Lehigh University's goal of achieving excellence in research. You will provide invaluable guidance and support to researchers through the entire lifecycle of their sponsored projects, from proposal review and submission to contract negotiations, award management, and compliance oversight. The Lehigh community takes seriously our commitment to antiracism and The Principles of our Equitable Community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Senior Contract and Grant Specialist
  • Serving as an Authorized Institutional Representative for the University, facilitating the submission of proposals, contracts, grants, and agreements up to $1,000,000 in direct costs.
  • Maintaining a broad interface with sponsors, researchers, and educational communities, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
  • Interpreting, implementing, and monitoring government and sponsor mandates related to the management of grants and contracts.
  • Providing expert advice, training, and support to researchers on grant administration, compliance, and best practices.
  • Exercising broad latitude and independent judgment in decision-making, while staying up-to-date with the latest developments in research administration.

• Contract and Grant Specialist
  • Administers, coordinates, and facilitates proposal preparation and submission through direct counsel with researchers, authorized institutional representatives and sponsors
  • Negotiates and accepts funded project terms and conditions
  • Monitors and authorizes funded project financial and compliance activities from project inception through closeout, including audit, if applicable
  • Maintains broad interface with federal/state sponsors, industry and the research and educational community at large

Qualifications:

• Senior Contract and Grant Specialist
  • Bachelor’s Degree; BA, BS or higher with 5 years Research Administration experience preferred
  • Five to eight years related work experience
  • Certified Research Administrator Certification (CRA) - Current or a Grant Professional Certified (GPC) credential - Current
  • Highly developed oral and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations relating to contract or grant agreements
  • Experience with electronic research administration systems a plus

*Candidates who do not currently hold a certification but are eligible to obtain one will be considered for an upgrade to the Senior Contract and Grant Specialist position once a certification is completed. Candidates without certifications should be willing to pursue the certification process in a timely manner upon hire.

• Contract and Grant Specialist
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, or a related field
  • One to three years related work experience
  • Highly developed oral and written communications skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations relating to contract or grant agreements
  • Experience in monitoring contract or grant budgets
  • Strong working knowledge of both Windows and MAC platforms

Join Lehigh University and become part of a vibrant academic community that values diversity, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity. As an employer of choice, Lehigh offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitive compensation, and a supportive work environment that fosters personal and professional growth.

The Senior Contract and Grant Specialist position is a Grade: 10 - 40, offering an approximate salary of $65,290-$79,430. The duties of this position may allow the employee to work fully remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor, and Lehigh’s state-specific requirements. This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for the University and therefore, will require a credit check. 

The Contract and Grant Specialist position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $54,390-$66,190. The duties of this position may allow the employee to work partially remote as deemed appropriate by their supervisor. This position has fiscal or financial responsibilities other than employee expense activity, such as processing or approving transactions; monitoring or preparing budgets; or generating income for University and therefore, will require a credit check.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact Lehigh's Accommodations Specialist  

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification, education verification, national criminal background checks, motor vehicle checks, PATCH, FBI fingerprinting, Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety.  Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.