The Grant and Contract Officer is expected to be fully proficient in federal, state, and University policies, as well as University business processes, accounting procedures, and systems, in administering all standard sponsored programs. They will administer more than 100 sponsored projects without day-to-day oversight. They will have delegated signature authority for the University to submit federal financial reports and will operate autonomously in the review, oversight, accounting, administration, and closeout of sponsored projects. The Grant and Contract Officer will be the University's chief representative for award administration, modifications, financial reporting, invoicing, and closeout. They will directly negotiate with funding agencies to determine matters of allowability, risk, efficiency, and reasonableness for sponsored programs, ensuring projects are feasible for researchers, in the interest of the University, and compliant with all University, State, Federal, and sponsor regulations. The sustainability of UM’s research enterprise and its ability to maintain productive sponsor relationships and successfully navigate audits will largely depend on the performance of the person in this role.

85% Post-award administration and accounting

The Grant and Contract Officer will fulfill duties including, but not limited to, award setup; award modification review and negotiation; ledger and cost match review, documentation, and consequent resolution of problems directly with researchers, administrators, and funding agencies; invoicing and financial reporting, including routine communication with funding agencies on matters of allowability, reasonableness, efficiency, and feasibility; approval of subcontract invoices within Grizmart; reconcile payments to participants and human subjects; processing graduate contracts, summary awards, stipends, cash paid outs, payments to state agencies, cost transfers, journal vouchers, Banner and UApprove approvals, and abatements; reconciling the advance pool; serving as resident expert for all assigned campus units in matters of post-award research administration; and award closeout, including resolution of complex accounting issues or matters of allowability directly with researchers, administrators, and funding agencies.

15% Projects and Distributed Support

The Grants and Contracts Officer will regularly be required to support colleagues within OSP in completing day-to-day duties or special projects to improve OSP's tools, processes, or overall capabilities.

Additional Duties:

1. Answer questions for all other staff members with regard to the oversight and administration of grants and contracts.
2. Communicate sponsor updates, policy updates, or any others and regulatory changes to the Post-Award staff.
3. Provide training to all assigned campus units to ensure researchers and administrators are up to speed on best practices and OSP procedures.
4. Provide recommendations to the Manager, Post-Award Services regarding process improvement.

• Undergraduate degree or five years of experience in accounting, finance, or research administration or relevant combination of education and experience.

• Researching and solving complex accounting or compliance problems
• Making compliant, efficient decisions during stressful situations
• Interpreting and applying agreement terms and conditions to project accounts and activity
• Leading negotiation between stakeholders of varying interests to find mutually-beneficial solutions
• Comprehensive understanding of 2 CFR 200
• Knowledge of GAAP
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously while meeting multiple deadlines
• Identifying and implementing workflow or systems improvements for a research administration team
• Managing a high-volume of projects where customer service and negotiation is essential
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Excellence in the operation of personal computers and related software (Excel, Word, Access) with the ability to learn new programs
• Interpersonal and oral communication skills, including ability effectively communicate with a variety of personnel and funding agencies and to establish and maintain good working relationships

Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, MUS Contract, and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.

Screening of applications will begin after the closing date. Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.

A complete application includes:

1. Letter of Interest– addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
2. Detailed Resume– listing education and describing work experience
3. Three (3) Professional References– names and contact information

The Affiliation of the University of Montana (UM Affiliation) is an equal opportunity employer. UM Affiliation does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of protected class status as described in UM’s non-discrimination policy and any applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law.

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the offer of employment. In accordance with university regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations.

References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. UM partners with SkillSurvey for reference checking. Applicants may receive emails from SkillSurvey to submit reference information.

Testing: Individual hiring departments within the UM Affiliation may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions.

Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM and all affiliated campuses, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9). The University of Montana will require proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring. Due to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation and related guidance from USCIS and the Department of State, the University may be limited in its ability to offer H-1B sponsorship. At this time, we are unable to sponsor new H-1B visas that require payment of the additional fee introduced by the Proclamation.