What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants Specialist III position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number:
S15218P
Working Title:
Grants Specialist III
Department:
VPR-SPA Pre-Award
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
Posting Type:
External
Retirement Plan:
TRS or ORP
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Additional Schedule Information:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date:
05/29/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Proposed Starting Date:
07/01/2026
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Classification Title:
University Grants Pro II
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award is the central pre-award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages a portfolio of approximately 2,500 awards annually, totaling more than $441 million in FY21. Work is considered highly professional and technical, involving the review and processing of research and other types of grant proposals, negotiation of awards and contracts, and a variety of post-award non-financial administrative duties (no-cost extensions, amendments, compliance, problem-solving, etc.) The incumbent will join several other research administrators in SPA and maintain a caseload of proposals or awards spanning a group of departments, colleges, centers, or institutes at UGA. Highly professional customer service drives all activities in SPA. The employee will promote application of uniform guidance, sponsor rules and regulations and UGA policies and procedures as it relates to proposal preparation and award acceptance, and provide assistance to faculty, staff, and graduate students in this regard. The employee will independently manage a caseload, possess signatory authority to bind the University, and communicate with our sponsors as appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies:
Grants Specialist III
Sitting at computer for long periods of time.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
No
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
No
Credit And P-Card Policy:
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Reviews grant awards for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations as well as UGA policies and procedures and signs on behalf of the University of Georgia and the Research Foundation.
Percentage Of Time:
25
Duties/Responsibilities:
Manages awards from Pre-Award stages through project close-out; which includes re-budgets, no cost extensions, and other administrative post-award changes; and works with principal investigators to obtain sponsor approval, when needed.
Percentage Of Time:
20
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assures compliance with agency guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and university regulations, such as animal and human subject use; debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace. Ensures accuracy of awarded budget including indirect costs, cost share, and subcontracts’ adherence to internal legal considerations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assists faculty and staff with award administration by interpreting award terms and conditions, and agency philosophy, policies, regulations and guidelines; and also interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex award and modification questions. Performs related work and carries signature authority to bind the University to a contract, including agreeing to award terms and conditions.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Cathy Cuppett
Recruitment Contact Email:
Cathy15@uga.edu
S15218P
Working Title:
Grants Specialist III
Department:
VPR-SPA Pre-Award
About The University Of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
Posting Type:
External
Retirement Plan:
TRS or ORP
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Additional Schedule Information:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date:
05/29/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Proposed Starting Date:
07/01/2026
Special Instructions To Applicants:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Location of Vacancy:
Athens Area
EEO Policy Statement:
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.
Classification Title:
University Grants Pro II
FLSA:
Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with sponsored projects administration
- Customer Service experience
- Detail Oriented
- Adaptable/flexible
- Deadline driven
- Risk assessment skills
- Decision making skills
Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award is the central pre-award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages a portfolio of approximately 2,500 awards annually, totaling more than $441 million in FY21. Work is considered highly professional and technical, involving the review and processing of research and other types of grant proposals, negotiation of awards and contracts, and a variety of post-award non-financial administrative duties (no-cost extensions, amendments, compliance, problem-solving, etc.) The incumbent will join several other research administrators in SPA and maintain a caseload of proposals or awards spanning a group of departments, colleges, centers, or institutes at UGA. Highly professional customer service drives all activities in SPA. The employee will promote application of uniform guidance, sponsor rules and regulations and UGA policies and procedures as it relates to proposal preparation and award acceptance, and provide assistance to faculty, staff, and graduate students in this regard. The employee will independently manage a caseload, possess signatory authority to bind the University, and communicate with our sponsors as appropriate.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies:
Grants Specialist III
- Grants Specialist III have high levels of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding and finance and administration.
- Grants Specialist III work under low levels of supervision in a deadline oriented environment with only little guidance from a mentor.
- Grants Specialist III have a strong commitment to excellent customer service and the ability to independently manage a high-level desk with little guidance.
- All Grants Specialists have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university personnel, state and federal agencies and private organizations on complex matters.
- All Grants Specialists are able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, directly with PIs and other UGA personnel about a limited array of research administration topics.
- All Grants Specialists serve as a resource for others in the Pre-Award Office.
Sitting at computer for long periods of time.
Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
No
Is this a Position of Trust?:
No
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No
Does this position require a P-Card? :
No
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No
Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No
Does This Position Have Security Access (e.g., Public Safety, IT Security, Personnel Records, Patient Records, Or Access To Chemicals And Medications):
No
Credit And P-Card Policy:
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
Background Investigation Policy:
Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Reviews grant awards for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations as well as UGA policies and procedures and signs on behalf of the University of Georgia and the Research Foundation.
Percentage Of Time:
25
Duties/Responsibilities:
Manages awards from Pre-Award stages through project close-out; which includes re-budgets, no cost extensions, and other administrative post-award changes; and works with principal investigators to obtain sponsor approval, when needed.
Percentage Of Time:
20
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assures compliance with agency guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and university regulations, such as animal and human subject use; debarment and suspension, drug-free workplace. Ensures accuracy of awarded budget including indirect costs, cost share, and subcontracts’ adherence to internal legal considerations.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Assists faculty and staff with award administration by interpreting award terms and conditions, and agency philosophy, policies, regulations and guidelines; and also interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies.
Percentage Of Time:
15
Duties/Responsibilities:
Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex award and modification questions. Performs related work and carries signature authority to bind the University to a contract, including agreeing to award terms and conditions.
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Cathy Cuppett
Recruitment Contact Email:
Cathy15@uga.edu