External Grants Specialist

Wilkes University invites applicants for an External Grants Specialist in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). The mission of ORSP is to facilitate the pursuit and management of research and sponsored programs in compliance with government regulations and institutional policies and promote a culture of research scholarship and education that benefits faculty staff students and the community. The vision of ORSP is to achieve its mission with efficient work processes tools and technology intentionally chosen to optimize key workflows and kind responsive helpful customer service that coaches and educates the Wilkes community so that all team members according to their roles know and apply best practices of sponsored projects management throughout the entire grant life cycle. ORSP oversees grants sponsored by local/state/federal agencies and private businesses and foundations that fund institutional programs and faculty research. ORSP currently manages several significant research awards from federal sponsors and seeks to grow its grant portfolio.

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for post-award administration of a varying portfolio of externally funded grants from government and private sponsors. They will provide oversight assistance and guidance to principal investigators and program directors to ensure financial and regulatory compliance is maintained for all awards from receipt of grant to closeout including assistance with audits if needed. This position also secondarily assists the Associate Director with special projects institutional reporting proposal submissions and outreach/research development activities as time training and experience permits. This is a hybrid position; the expectation is that 40-80% of the candidates time will be spent on campus with the understanding that the schedule may be adjusted at times to meet institutional needs.

A bachelors degree is required. The ideal candidate will have prior experience in higher education and post-award grants administration especially with federal sponsors. Working knowledge of 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance) is preferred.

The candidate should be proficient with computer applications especially Microsoft Excel but also Adobe Acrobat Microsoft and Google applications and business databases and information systems. Knowledge of accounting practices experience with managing budgets and proficiency in written and oral communication with colleagues and sponsors are important qualifications. Critical thinking exemplary attention to detail and an ability to read analyze and communicate key aspects of complex agreements and contracts are essential skills for the successful candidate. Training and professional development opportunities will be provided. The successful candidate will be self-driven and continuously strive to advance knowledge and skills in research and grants administration which is especially important in the current and evolving regulatory landscape. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Wilkes University is an independent comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts sciences and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2000 students at the undergraduate level and over 1500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels.

Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

To apply visit Please be sure to include a cover letter resume or curriculum vitae and three references.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race color national or ethnic origin age religion disability pregnancy sex/gender gender identity and/or expression sexual orientation marital or family status military or veteran status or genetic information.

Required Experience:

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