What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts & Grants Specialist position at NC State College of Engineering?
Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number PG194395EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Contracts & Grants Specialist Anticipated Hiring Range $58,000 to $63,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, extended hours during depending on operational needs. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center About the Department
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), at N.C. State University advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing research and technical support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. This mission is accomplished through work in the following major program areas; Renewable Energy, Clean Power & Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Green Building, Economic Development, Energy Policy, Workforce Development and Education & Outreach. The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. More information about NCCETC is available at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What We Offer
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) seeks a highly organized and experienced Pre-Award & Post-Award Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage all aspects of sponsored research administration. In this role you will serve as the primary contact for the Center, which requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and university regulations to ensure compliance and successful project execution.
As the primary contact, you will provide independent and comprehensive financial and administrative management of the Center’s sponsored projects (Ledger 5 accounts). This includes supporting proposal submissions, overseeing financial compliance, and advising Principal Investigators and Center staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects. You will apply your knowledge of federal (2 CFR 200), state, and NCSU guidelines to proactively deliver sound financial forecasting, ensure compliance, and support successful sponsored project administration.
Key responsibilities fall within the 4 primary focus areas outlined below:
Pre-Award Support
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. A few of those are listed below, this list is not exhaustive:
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 12/19/2025 Anticipated Close Date 1/13/2026, if still posted applications are being accepted. Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references.
NC State is closed for regular Business Operations December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Application review will begin immediately after NC State returns to regular business operations.
Position Details
Position Number 00060974 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 140150 - The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Posting Information
Posting Number PG194395EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Contracts & Grants Specialist Anticipated Hiring Range $58,000 to $63,000 Work Schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, extended hours during depending on operational needs. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center About the Department
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), at N.C. State University advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing research and technical support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies. This mission is accomplished through work in the following major program areas; Renewable Energy, Clean Power & Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Green Building, Economic Development, Energy Policy, Workforce Development and Education & Outreach. The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center serves as a resource for innovative, clean energy technologies through demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. More information about NCCETC is available at https://nccleantech.ncsu.edu.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What We Offer
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) seeks a highly organized and experienced Pre-Award & Post-Award Contracts and Grants Specialist to manage all aspects of sponsored research administration. In this role you will serve as the primary contact for the Center, which requires a deep understanding of federal, state, and university regulations to ensure compliance and successful project execution.
As the primary contact, you will provide independent and comprehensive financial and administrative management of the Center’s sponsored projects (Ledger 5 accounts). This includes supporting proposal submissions, overseeing financial compliance, and advising Principal Investigators and Center staff throughout the lifecycle of sponsored projects. You will apply your knowledge of federal (2 CFR 200), state, and NCSU guidelines to proactively deliver sound financial forecasting, ensure compliance, and support successful sponsored project administration.
Key responsibilities fall within the 4 primary focus areas outlined below:
Pre-Award Support
- Lead and coordinate proposal submissions from initial concept through final submission
- Support Principal Investigators with budget development, cost proposals, and budget justifications
- Draft and manage receipt-based service contracts and subcontracts; process fee-for-service invoicing
- Review sponsor requirements to ensure proposals align with federal, state, and University guidelines
- Manage pre-award activity in required systems (e.g., PINS, Grants.gov, agency submission platforms)
- Manage the financial oversight of active grants and contracts to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Monitor budgets, reconcile accounts, and review expenses in accordance with 2 CFR 200 and NCSU policies
- Prepare financial, variance, and forecasting reports to support project planning and decision-making
- Review expenditures, travel, and reimbursements for allowability and compliance
- Process effort and cost-share reporting and maintain required documentation
- Support award modifications, including re-budgeting, extensions, and funding adjustment
- Administer sponsored projects from award setup through close-out
- Ensure timely and accurate close-out of awards, including final financial reviews and approvals
- Maintain documentation and internal controls that support compliance and audit readiness.
- Serve as a primary administrative resource for Principal Investigators and Center staff
- Act as a liaison with sponsoring agencies, college partners, SPARCS, and central research offices
- Provide guidance on administrative processes, allowable costs, and sponsored project requirements
- Support onboarding and training of Center staff on research administration practices
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. A few of those are listed below, this list is not exhaustive:
- Assist and serve as back-up to the Center Finance & Business Manager on accounting matters, including as Pcard reconciler.
- May serve as a Pcard holder for sponsored project related expenses and as backup to the Center Finance & Business Manager
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Requires post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related experience, or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in contract and grant administration within a university or non-profit research setting
- Solid knowledge of federal and agency regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and FAR
- Proficiency with research administration systems and sponsor submission platforms (e.g., PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, PeopleSoft Financials)
- Strong financial and analytical skills to manage complex project budgets, forecasting, and reporting
- Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey regulatory and financial guidance to faculty and staff
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment
- Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, finance, public administration, or a STEM discipline)
- 5 years of experience in research administration or grant/contract management, including interpreting sponsor announcements and preparing budgets or proposals
- Familiarity with clean energy policy, contracts, or renewable energy research projects
- Knowledge of state-funded grants and foundation funding practices
- Experience mentoring or training staff in research administration processes
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 12/19/2025 Anticipated Close Date 1/13/2026, if still posted applications are being accepted. Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references.
NC State is closed for regular Business Operations December 24, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Application review will begin immediately after NC State returns to regular business operations.
Position Details
Position Number 00060974 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 140150 - The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you learn of this opportunity?
- NCSU Website
- NCSU Executive Search Services
- Monster.com
- CareerBuilder.com
- InsideHigherEd.com
- Other Online Job Board
- Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
- Job / Career Fair
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- HERC
- Professional Journal
- Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
- Professional Organization
- Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
- NCSU Employee Referral
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
- Other
- If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source. (Open Ended Question)
- * Have you had any experience in federal contract management/administration?
- Yes
- No
- * Please describe your experience working in contracts and grants management. (Open Ended Question)
- * Please briefly describe your experience with research administrative platforms (e.g. PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov, PeopleSoft Financials). (Open Ended Question)
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Contact Information for References
Salary : $58,000 - $63,000