New

Contracts & Grants Specialist

North Carolina State University

$58,000 to $63,000

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Dec 20, 2025

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! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. 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) Post-Award Financial Management & Compliance: 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 Award Administration & Close-Out: 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. Collaboration & Advisory Support: 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 If you are a highly organized, detail-oriented research administration professional who enjoys supporting faculty, navigating compliance requirements, and delivering strong financial stewardship across sponsored projects, we encourage you to apply.
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 These and other additional duties offer an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

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
Preferred Qualifications	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
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	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.