[Hiring] Grants and Contracts Administrator @Duke Careers

Role Description

The Duke Quantum Center (DQC) is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Grants and Contracts Administrator who will provide comprehensive pre- and post-award support for sponsored research activities. This role partners closely with faculty and Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure the accurate preparation, submission, and management of proposals, grants, and contracts in compliance with sponsor, federal, and University requirements.

The Grants and Contracts Administrator will manage a portfolio of complex proposals, awards, applying strong analytical, technical, and regulatory expertise to support financial stewardship, operational excellence, and the advancement of quantum research initiatives.

• Provide comprehensive pre-award administration by advising Principal Investigators on administrative, financial, and institutional requirements related to proposal preparation and submission.
• Develop and justify proposal budgets, review proposal components for completeness and accuracy, verify indirect cost rates and financial data.
• Ensure proposals routed through institutional systems receive proper approvals and meet sponsor, federal, and University compliance standards.
• Track proposal timelines and guide investigators on submission deadlines and research protection protocol requirements.
• Manage post-award financial and grant administration activities from award set-up through closeout.
• Monitor fiscal performance, analyze expenditures, identify potential issues, recommend and process budget revisions.
• Administer cost-sharing commitments, reconcile monthly financial statements, prepare cost transfers, and submit rebudgeting or award modification requests.
• Ensure appropriate charging of expenses, accurate revenue recording, effective management of overdrafts, and timely completion of sponsor and University reporting requirements.
• Coordinate subrecipient administration by establishing financial and reporting requirements, facilitating issuance and monitoring of sub-agreements.
• Apply federal and University regulations related to effort allocation, costing principles, and financial stewardship for personnel supported in whole or in part by sponsored funds.
• Provide administrative, compliance, and operational support by developing and maintaining project management plans.
• Maintain financial and administrative records in accordance with document retention policies.
• Ensure proper handling and recording of sponsor payments in compliance with University cash-handling standards.
• Interpret departmental policies, resolve operational issues, and prepare financial and administrative reports as requested.

Qualifications

• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced research environment.
• Bachelor’s degree program completion is generally required.
• CRA, CFRA, and/or CPRA preferred.

Requirements

• No additional experience is required for candidates with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field.
• Three or more years of related experience is preferred.
• Experience in pre-award and/or post-award grants management within a research-intensive environment.
• Strong knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies governing sponsored research.
• Ability to independently organize and analyze financial data, manage complex budgets, and provide clear guidance.
• Experience using research administration and financial systems such as SPS, SAP, Grants, Duke@Work, and SES.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and cloud-based platforms, including OneNote and Sharepoint.

Benefits

• Annual base salary range: USD $59,829.00 to USD $96,900.00.
• Comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• A wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs.