Contracts & Grants Specialist III

Pre-Award Shared Services (PASS):

Proposal preparation is an involved process that not only requires a solid technical concept and a cutting-edge technical team, but also experienced research administration support with expertise in project management, budget development, and strategic oversight charged with eliminating administrative burdens through the submission process.

PASS is a unit focused on equalizing access to proposal preparation support at UCF, under a shared services model. Our office works in consultation with faculty, academic units, and other university support offices to shoulder this administrative responsibility.

The Opportunity:

PASS is seeking Contract and Grants Specialist IIIs to support the pre-award activity for the team which shall encompass core units, approved Centers & Institutes, ad-hoc support university-wide services. Contract and Grants Specialist IIIs will also provide backup support for the Faculty Cluster Initiative and EARLIER teams embedded within the Research Initiatives team.

This position performs timely, high-quality and coordinated research administrative and customer services to faculty and research staff within every involved College/Department/Unit; managing high-volume, complex, multi-PI projects with an array of external sponsors. This position will be expected to hold delegated authority to endorse proposals & commitments on behalf of Research Initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Assist Pre-Award Shared Services faculty in interpretation and clarification of sponsor guidelines and FAQs; review required sponsor forms, assurances and certifications; collect all pertinent data for the compilation of proposal components for accuracy and compliance.

• Develop all non-technical documents including budget and budget narrative, responsible for uploading application package to various sponsor systems (e.g. NSF, NIH, NSPIRES, ProposalCentral, etc.) and HRS System to System. Endorse proposal commitments on behalf of Research Initiatives ensuring that proposals are accurate and in full compliance.

• Coordinate with research collaborators (e.g., internal team, subcontractors, consultants, evaluators, vendors, etc.) to ensure their commitment and eligibility, and that all proposed financial documents (e.g., subcontract budget, vendor quotes, etc.) are current, accurate and complete.

• Create condensed proposal checklist clearly outlining requirements as noted in the sponsor RFP. Maintain proposal task list forecasting current and upcoming submissions.

• Responsible for team communication needs including kick-off meetings, communication of: reminders, status report, timeline for proposal deadlines to faculty, staff and collaborators, as appropriate.

• Ensure that research proposals, related documents, HRS smart form, special consideration (e.g. budget, cost share, release time, space needs etc.) are reviewed and approved by appropriate University officials (e.g. Chair, Dean/Director, etc.). Develop and review any formalized grant/contract modification requiring re-budgeting or revised scope of works; including Just In Time requests.

• Maintain a reporting relationship to the Contract and Grants Specialist IV (CGS IV), and the Sr. Director, Research Advancement & Strategy. Execute with authority to act in place of the CGS IV functions not requiring the expressed presence or approval of the CGS IV.

• Serve as backup support for other assigned Research Initiatives unit as needed.

• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant toFla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving and critical analysis skills, successfully managing a high‑volume, diverse portfolio that includes complex and challenging issues.

• Demonstrated ability to independently lead and mentor others, including coaching and reviewing the work of lower-level professionals.

• Proven ability to independently manage projects and processes while working with limited supervision.

• Experience with NSF (National Science Foundation), NIH (National Institutes of Health), Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA.

• Working knowledge of University of Central Florida policies and procedures and federal regulations as they relate to contracts and grants.

• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in professional settings.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

All applicants mustbe authorized towork for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H‑1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $56,030 to $68,636.50. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

Applicants using a degree to meet the minimum qualifications must have it conferred prior to the hire date.

If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

UCF is seeking to fill multiple roles. Candidates for this job posting will be considered for additional Contract and Grants Specialist III vacancies in this department.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation,you'llplay an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country.You'llbe met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 12colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow,you'llwork alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills,andyou'llhave countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefitpackages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions

• Educationassistance

• And more…For more benefits information, view theUCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive intoourTotal Rewards Calculatorto discover the diverseselectionavailable to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitlystatedon the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF willresidein Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Department

Office of Research - Operations

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. Schedule may vary as based on business needs.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$56,030.00 to Negotiable

Job Posting End Date

05-27-2026-12-00-AM

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.