Research Support Specialist – Grants & Finance (Remote Opportunity)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access fuel innovation and creativity and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863 UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching research scholarship and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse equitable and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valuedand thrives and offers a full range of undergraduate graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental social economic and technological challenges in our world.

About Research & Engagement

The UMass Amherst community engages more than 31000 students 1400 faculty and 5000 staff in 11 schools and colleges with a wide variety of degree programs research and public service. More than 800 faculty lead sponsored research projects in many areas from basic to applied that are sponsored by federal state and private sources with expenditures of more than $240 million in 2023.

Job Summary

The Research Support Specialist Grants & Finance serves as a critical resource within the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement (VCRE) Office with specialized expertise in research accounting budgeting and procurement. The Research Support Specialist supports the financial and operational needs of large-scale research awards and addresses complex issues related to award support across the University.

Essential Functions

• Anticipation and Support for New Large-Scale Awards
  • Collaborates with Principal Investigators (PIs) research administrators and support staff to prepare for the financial and administrative demands of newly awarded large-scale research projects.
  • Provides preemptive guidance on budgeting financial planning and procurement strategies to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
  • Acts as a liaison between the VCRE office and campus stakeholders to facilitate efficient set-up and early-stage management of major awards.
  • Develops forecasting tools and resource allocation plans to anticipate financial needs and potential challenges for large-scale research projects.
• Incident Management and Resolution
  • Supports resolution of incidents and complex issues related to post-award financial management by providing guidance and problem-solving expertise.
  • Performs in-depth analysis of financial procurement and compliance concerns related to ongoing research projects and implements corrective actions as needed.
  • Coordinates with relevant college and department level staff as well as individual PIs to ensure prompt resolution of issues and facilitate communication between stakeholders.
• Expert Consultation and Support
  • Serves as a subject matter expert in research accounting budgeting and procurement offering guidance to staff across the campus on best practices and institutional policies.
  • Supports training initiatives and workshops for College-level post-award support staff to enhance campus-wide capabilities in research financial management.
  • Provides recommendations to the AVCRSS for process improvements policy updates and tools that enhance post-award support effectiveness.
• Compliance and Reporting
  • Ensures compliance with federal state and institutional policies in all areas of research accounting budgeting and procurement.
  • Collaborates with internal auditors and compliance officers to review and refine procedures.
  • Assists in preparing reports data analyses and presentations for senior leadership.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Bachelors degree (preferably in Finance Accounting Business Administration or a related field).
• Five (5) years of experience in research accounting budgeting procurement or financial management within a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification (at hire or obtained within 18 months of hire).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive mindset.
• Proven ability to manage complex financial and operational scenarios.
• Expertise in federal and state grant regulations institutional policies and compliance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial software accounting systems and research management tools.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge Skills Abilities Education Experience Certifications Licensure)

• Advanced degree (e.g. MBA MPA or relevant field).

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hours per week. Some flexibility in working hours may be required to meet project deadlines and handle urgent incidents.
• This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employees work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus. As thisposition falls within the Professional Staff Union it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Salary Level 27

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.