Contracts and Grants Supervisor 2 (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $110,000 - $120,000.

Initial Applicant Review will take place on or around July 29, 2025. Posting may close any time after that without notice.

This position may be hybrid. There is a possibility for fully remote for a well-qualified California resident.

Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Contracts and Grants Supervisor uses advanced contracts and grants concepts to manage complex research project portfolios for various Project Investigators within all schools and departments at UC Merced. Provides complex analysis and reports to the Executive Director of Research Administration. Coordinates service delivery with Schools and campus departments. Requires interpretation of UC policies and sponsor guidelines as they relate to necessary approvals, allowable costs, and budgets. Responsible for implementing complex fiscal policies and procedures, including federal funding regulations, and advising principal investigators and project staff on existing options or alternatives, effectively recommending courses of action. Also provides analytical and financial support to principal investigators for complex issues regarding budget revisions, post-award management, and closeout activities, including federal, state, local, and private sponsors. This position requires highly developed organizational planning, coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills, which involve independent judgment and broad and deep knowledge of the technical aspects of research administration.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Mentors, trains, and guides a team of research administrators. Participates in the selection and development of staff to help ensure the efficient operation of the function. Trains staff and helps to create an effective teamwork environment. Advises, mentors, and trains staff to take ownership of their assignments and carry out their responsibilities. Functions as a resource to advise staff on challenges such as researching complex research administration issues and escalating problems/concerns to the post-award assistant director.
2. Assists the organization with planning, establishment, and monitoring of budget control of contracts and grants administration. Recommends designs for developing and improving operating procedures, policies, and guidelines. Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and procedures for department operations.
3. Acts as a fiscal consultant; Reviews budget allocations for policy exceptions; manages a wide range of sponsors with varying policies, restrictions, and deliverables; provides post-award non-financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with University costing policy and agency requirements; analyzes expenses, develops cost projections, provides financial tracking and fiscal control, and fulfills reporting requirements. Helps to ensure the timely and complete filing of progress reports and competitive renewals. Supports processing of non-competing continuations, supplements, and other awards/agreement amendments, including no-cost extensions.
4. Provides highly complex projections, analyses, and recommendations. Works with other campus departments and/or recharge units to resolve complex invoicing problems and billing/payment discrepancies; identifies potential overdrafts and recommends an expenditure plan to avoid cost overruns and disallowances. In coordination with central and departmental administrators, manages the administrative and financial aspects of complex, awarded projects with campus-wide impact.
5. Keeps abreast of changes in University and sponsoring agencies' guidelines by attending training seminars, monitoring listservs, and University and sponsoring agencies' websites. Assists in keeping team members updated on all relevant changes.
6. Assists with establishing and achieving annual learning objectives for skill-building and professional development. Learning opportunities may include self-directed activities, such as recommended reading or participation in online courses and/or programs, courses, and activities assigned by the incumbent's supervisor.
7. Assists in support of audit and perform other duties as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields (required); and/or
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, Business Administration, or other related fields (preferred); and
• Three (3) years of progressively responsible, directly related experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants. Two (2) years leading or supervising a team, or equivalent experience as outlined. An advanced degree is preferred but may not substitute for experience. The candidate must possess actual work experience and the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position (required).
• Thorough knowledge of contracts and grants transactions and applicable financial systems, as well as related policy, accounting and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policies, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration.
• Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of policy and its interpretations.
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
• Proficiency in use of common desktop / web applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills, service orientation, ability to multi-task effectively in a varied, high-volume environment, judgment and decision-making, reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise a team of highly technical professionals.
• Proficiency with Oracle Financials.

Working Conditions: Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/