Job Description The UW Tacoma Office of Research has an outstanding opportunity for a Post-Award Grants Specialist to join their team. About this Opportunity Reporting to the Director of the Office of Research, the Post-Award Grants Specialist will support the extramural funding at the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT). This position will independently aid in the management of a complex portfolio of funding while working with UWT faculty and staff across all UWT schools and units to provide aspects of proposal development, and a focus on post-award management with a variety of organizations, including federal sponsors, foundations, and industry partners. Key
Responsibilities
Post-Award Management For Assigned Award Portfolios (75%): Partner with Principal Investigators (PIs), unit administrators, and Fiscal Services staff, beginning at award kickoff, to implement and manage sponsored projects using Workday and other university systems, ensuring alignment with project aims and full compliance with university and sponsor requirements. The role primarily supports awards in smaller units (e.g., SNHCL, Milgard, SUS, and SSWCJ), as well as complex or programmatic awards across UWT.
Responsibilities
include: Budget execution & compliance: Translate proposal budgets into compliant spending plans aligned with award aims; ensure all expenditures meet sponsor and institutional requirements; communicate the information to PIs and unit staffs. Financial monitoring & forecasting: Monitor budgets, balances, and spend rates; ensure expenditures track with forecasts; identify and advise on needed adjustments, including planning for no-cost extensions. Expense & effort oversight: Conduct at least monthly reviews of expenditures for allowability with PIs; support salary and effort alignment to ensure correct charging to awards. Cost share management: Track, document, and report cost share commitments. Reporting & data analysis: Generate and analyze financial data for reporting, planning, and forecasting; support PIs in meeting sponsor reporting requirements. Cross-functional communication: Serve as a primary liaison with PIs, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA), and sponsor representatives to address inquiries and ensure accurate budget management. Workday financial management: Navigate Workday Financials to analyze financial activities, and provide actionable insights to PIs, unit staff, and other stakeholders. Subject matter expertise: Collaborate and work closely with PIs, unit staff, and Office of Research members to provide troubleshooting assistance, training, and back-up when needed on post award-related matters. Service contract stewardship: Coordinate with units on service contract development to ensure scopes of work and budgets are allowable, compliant, and financially viable. Communication, Reporting, and Outreach (20%): Contribute to Office of Research communications, reporting, and outreach activities to support effective information exchange and grand management capacity building across the UWT campus.
Responsibilities
include: Communications & reporting: Contribute to development of the annual research report and development of website and other communications content. Stakeholder engagement: Facilitate clear and consistent information exchange with PIs, unit administrators, and campus partners through award kickoff meetings, written guidance, and targeted communications. Policy translation: Interpret and translate complex policy, fiscal, and compliance requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences. Training & capacity building: Facilitate grant management training workshops for PIs and unit administrators. Outreach & events support: Support communication and community engagement activities associated with Office of Research events. Continuous Improvement & Professional Development (5%): Maintain current knowledge of evolving grant administration policies, regulations, and best practices through required training and professional development. Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the Office of Research by identifying inefficiencies, recommending solutions, and supporting the refinement of office workflows and practices. Required
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. Minimum
Qualifications
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager. Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in a relevant field. Additional
Qualifications
Knowledge and understanding of research administration rules and procedures, sponsored project budget development, and sponsored project post-award procedures. Success working on multiple projects at a time with demonstrated strong management, organization, verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively and independently with a high degree of reliability, accuracy, and productivity. Ability to exercise independent judgment and work independently to resolve problems. Commitment to continuous process improvement. Demonstrated ability to manage priorities to meet deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Workday Financial experience.
Experience
with an academic institution’s policies and procedures related to grant and contract management. Proficient in federal government grant systems such as eRA Commons, ASSIST. Proactive problem solver and communicator, with a desire to improve systems.
Experience
at managing grant post award fiscal activities.
Experience
working with a wide range of stakeholders with significantly different levels of knowledge and understanding in grant management. Compensation,
Benefits
and Position Details
Pay Range
Minimum: $69,720.00 annual
Pay Range
Maximum: $86,400.00 annual Other Compensation: -
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable About the UW Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. Our Commitment The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law. Use the filters or enter keywords in the search box (such as “custodian,” “nursing” or “manager”) to explore available opportunities. To find temporary opportunities, enter “temporary” in the search box. If you are a current UW employee: You must log into Workday and apply internally through the UW Jobs Hub. Looking for faculty, librarian or academic staff positions? Please visit our Academic Jobs site. Looking for student employment? Learn more on our Student Employment site. There are many perks to working for the University of Washington. Learn more about the benefits that could be available to you as a UW employee. Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified about job opportunities at the UW that interest you; you’ll be one of the first to learn when openings become available. You will be asked to create an account if you do not already have one.