Grants and Contracts Administrator

Duke Careers

. Partner closely with faculty investigators and university stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of sponsored research projects .

Posted 9/19/2026full-timeDurham • North Carolina • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $61,026 - $98,838 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing sponsored research projects, including grant and contract administration, budget development, and compliance with federal regulations. Proficient in financial reporting and analysis, with strong communication skills to effectively liaise with faculty and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Grant And Contract AdministrationBudget DevelopmentFinancial ReportingResearch Administration SystemsFederal Regulations Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

BudgetingFinancial AnalysisData AnalysisCompliance MonitoringProposal PreparationCost Principles UnderstandingEffort Allocation ManagementGrant ManagementContract ManagementProject Coordination

Soft Skills

Strong Written CommunicationStrong Verbal CommunicationTask PrioritizationAdaptabilityCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteSPSR3Research Administration Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Research Administration Academy (RAA) Certification

Industry Keywords

Sponsored ResearchHigher EducationHealthcareCompliance RequirementsDuke University Policies

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner closely with faculty investigators and university stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of sponsored research projects
Assist with preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals
Help ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements
Monitor project finances and provide guidance supporting successful research outcomes
Manage a portfolio of sponsored projects through pre-award and post-award activities
Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications
Compile and review application components, including biosketches, supporting documentation, and sponsor-specific forms
Review funding opportunity announcements and requests for proposals to communicate requirements, restrictions, and deadlines
Route proposals through university systems and coordinate required approvals and institutional signatures
Advise faculty on budget revisions and proposal modifications
Monitor proposal status and communicate compliance, protocol, and submission requirements to principal investigators
Monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor guidelines, award restrictions, and university policies
Reconcile project accounts and analyze monthly financial activity
Provide financial reports, forecasts, and recommendations to faculty investigators
Identify financial discrepancies and coordinate corrective actions
Apply federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies
Review and process cost transfers and budget modifications
Assist with effort allocation management
Maintain records and supporting documentation for projects
Coordinate subaward agreements and subrecipient monitoring requirements
Facilitate award modifications, rebudgeting requests, and project changes
Coordinate award closeout activities
Prepare reports and analyses for departmental leadership

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
Ability and willingness to complete Duke's Research Administration Academy (RAA) certification requirements within established timeframes if not already certified
Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access
Successful completion and ongoing maintenance of Research Administration Academy (RAA) certification is required
Ability to learn and adapt to evolving technologies, systems, and regulations related to research administration
Ability to prepare financial and analytical reports and present recommendations to stakeholders
Employee must reside in a Duke University-approved state
Periodic in-person attendance may be required for team meetings, training sessions, and other departmental activities
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience coordinating complex administrative, financial, or compliance-related processes
Experience administering grants and contracts in a higher education, research, healthcare, or similar environment
Experience managing a portfolio of complex sponsored projects
Knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research activities
Knowledge of grant and contract management principles, budgeting, and financial reporting
Experience with research administration systems such as SPS, R3, or similar platforms
Understanding of effort allocation, cost principles, and compliance requirements associated with federally funded awards
Knowledge of Duke University research administration policies, procedures, and processes
Ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and communicate requirements effectively to faculty and research staff

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive medical and dental care programs
Generous retirement benefits
Family-friendly and cultural programs