Contract Officer

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration of the Department of Chemical Engineering, the Contracts Officer is responsible for providing comprehensive pre-award grants management for Principal Investigators (PIs) in the Department of Chemical Engineering. This position will collaborate closely with a team of grants professionals to manage the preparation of grant funding proposals, budget development, submission, negotiation, and monitoring of pending applications, and will provide high-level administrative support in the setup of new sponsored project accounts. This position is responsible for all financial and administrative aspects of grants, including : monitoring and auditing budgets to avoid overdrafts, account reconciliation, preparing financial reports for grant compliance, producing monthly financial reports and forecasts, and overseeing the administration of grant support in accordance with School and University policy.

Responsibilities

Pre-Award Support (50%) :

Budget Preparation and Proposal Development : Review and assist in the preparation of grant applications, contract proposals, and related documents, ensuring compliance with departmental, School, and University policies.

Negotiation and Award Review Support : Guide and provide administrative support for PIs in reviewing and negotiating awards, serving as the point of contact for grant matters.

Monitoring Proposal Status : Actively monitor proposal status, coordinating with relevant offices to establish and revise accounts in a timely manner.

Other Pre-Award Support : Assist PIs in all aspects of pre-award grants management to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and compliance.

Post-Award Support (30%) :

Grant Account Management : Develop and monitor a comprehensive dashboard of grant portfolios for departmental PIs. Proactively manage project

expenses, identify trends, and recommend budget modifications to ensure compliance.

Subcontracts : Collaborate with PIs and Columbia offices to prepare and process subcontracts, ensuring timely receipt of award documents, invoicing, and final account closeout.

Agency Reporting : Work with PIs and SPA on mid-award reports, projecting budgets, ensuring compliance, and preparing reports on grant-funded activity.

Closeout : Provide post-award closeout support, including cost-share and administrative matters.

Internal Collaboration & Records Management : Liaise with central offices, collaborate with external departments, and ensure financial activities align with University and agency guidelines

Other Duties (20%) : Assist with major events, including annual retreats, reviews, and visitations from sponsors. Provides support for minor events and other ongoing programs, including meetings, seminars, and graduation. Performs other tasks, duties, and responsibilities as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, preferably in a scientific, engineering, or other technical field.

A minimum of two years of related experience in financial, research, or business-based professional activity.

Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Quantitative skills are essential for this position. Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary.

Must be able to work interactively and collaboratively with faculty, research staff, personnel, University offices, and external granting agencies.

Must show attention to detail and must be able to prioritize tasks.

Excellent computer, organizational, and communication skills required.

Proficiency with Excel and other related software at an advanced level is extremely important.

Must be flexible in terms of working hours in keeping with changing priorities and deadlines.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.