Working Title: Grant Administrator - College of Science and Mathematics
State Role Title:Administrative and Office Specialist III
Position Type:Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics
Department: 539200 - Science & Math IDC
Pay Rate:Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $39000 - $42000
Is this a JMU only positionNo
Is this a grant-funded positionYes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionNo
Beginning Review Date:1/5/2026
About JMU:
At James Madison University (JMU) were more than just a publicly funded institution were a vibrant welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation collaboration and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
Why Work at JMU
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation sick leave parental leave community service leave and 19 paid holidays annually.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources events and support.
Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
At JMU we believe in Being the Change and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow contribute meaningfully and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: Information:
The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) at James Madison University (JMU) is accepting applications for the role of Grant Administrator. This position will serve the overall mission of JMU and the CSM by providing support to faculty and student research programs within the department of Biology (BIO) and support for Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC) Physics and Astronomy (P&A) Geology and Environmental Science (GES) and Math and Statistics (M&S). The Grant Administrator will be responsible for purchasing and travel functions for grants awarded by the Office of Sponsored Programs to CSM Principal Investigators (PIs) while adhering to State and Agency rules regulations and guidelines.
The mission of the CSM is to establish a culture of discovery practice in which students develop their knowledge skills and habits by participating in science and mathematics practice. We place undergraduate student learning at the center of a rigorous research-based environment. Within the departments of BIO CBC P&A GES and M&S we have over 30 active research grants with over 100 faculty members and their student researchers. The Grant Administrator will be important to the success of these programs. This full-time position is potentially telework eligible for up to two days per week. This is a position funded by University grant proceeds.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Aid principal investigators (PIs) with the business aspects of the grants they have received including purchases travel and other expenditures.
Collaborate with relevant CSM departments Office of Sponsored Programs and other JMU administrative units to successfully manage research award grants and project budgets.
Perform monthly account reconciliations and communicate status to PIs.
Oversee vendor payments purchase orders corporate card purchases.
Process travel for faculty and students related to research activities.
Assist with the preparation of budgets budget justifications and revisions.
Ensure compliance with state federal and other sponsor requirements for documentation and record retention.
Perform account oversight and financial management activities: resolving fiscal variances cost transfers post-award modifications reconciling invoices and completing account closeouts.
Provide technical and administrative assistance to faculty while working across units as necessary.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
Demonstrated organizational skills along with the ability to work under pressure efficiently prioritize meet deadlines and process high volumes of requests.
The ability to interact professionally and respectfully with faculty staff and students and negotiate successful resolutions to various situations while demonstrating excellent customer service.
The ability to work collaboratively in a team unit as well as possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Show thoughtful and appropriate oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to change.
Additional Considerations:
Relevant experience in grants and contracts finance accounting and/or direct fiscal management.
Experience in Accounting Finance or a related field.
Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn how to use JMU applications such as PeopleSoft (Finance) Chrome River eVA.
Experience with JMU or other Small Purchase Charge Card programs and procedures.
Knowledge of university and sponsored programs policies and procedures.
Experience in post-award research administration in higher education and/or research institution.
Some knowledge or interest in STEM related activities is a plus.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age color disability gender identity or expression genetic information national origin parental status political affiliation race religion sex sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access inclusion and diversity for all students faculty staff constituents and programs believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: .
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at or You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office located at 752 Ott Street Harrisonburg VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
Required Experience:
Unclear Seniority