Job Summary

This position provides grant and contract support for the Family Forest Research Center (www.familyforestresearchcenter.org). The Family Forest Research Center holds grants and contracts with the USDA Forest Service, various Divisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and on-occasion private and non-profit organizations. The grant and contract support includes management, reporting, and tracking of all budgetary activities on sponsored grants including personnel. This position involves working closely with UMass and sponsor budget and grant offices to assure compliance and timeliness of budget and contract processing.

Essential Functions

POST AWARD GRANT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION: Prepare and submit financial status reports for FFRC as required by the grant or contract. Manage subcontract budgets, invoices and payments, initiate purchase orders for subcontracts. Extensive contact with sponsors, program managers, subcontractors, other universities and the Controller's Office.

FUND ADMINISTRATION: Complete management of research accounts of various fund types. Prepare budget projections based on fiscal, academic, and grant years. Prepare financial status reports. Apply spending rules for each fund type and inform FFRC of spending guidelines and policies. Review budgets to ensure compliance with funding agency regulations and institutional requirements. Ensure that all grant expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to agency guidelines. Work with FFRC staff to identify and resolve budget and compliance issues. Verify and reconcile all account activity; resolve conflicts and problems associated with financial transactions. Monitor and assist in the budgeting of the financial accounts within the department and direct oversight of department activities in various fund types, including grants, contracts, and research trust funds (RTFs). Manage re-budgeting of funded grants with the Controller’s Office/research accountants. Prepare Contract for Services including sole source justification as applicable. Extensive contact with Office of Research and Engagement, Procurement, Controller’s Office, Human Resources, College of Natural Sciences, and other University departments. Act as liaison with sponsors, program managers, sub-contractors, and industry.

PERSONNEL: Apply University personnel policies and procedures, particularly as they apply to grants and contracts. Prepare personnel budgeting forecasts, applying changes to salaries, fringe rates and indirect costs as appropriate. Initiate and track appointments, re- appointment and compensation for faculty, research fellows, graduate students and undergraduate student hires. Use People Soft System to track personnel information, hire, and fund employees.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity.

The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors.

We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• College Degree
• Knowledge of Excel and Word programs and general uantitative skills
• Knowledge of grant and contract administration policies and procedures
• Knowledge of and experience with all aspects of accounting procedures
• Ability to work effectively with both on-campus offices, such as Office of Research and Engagement, Procurement, Human Resources and the Controller's Office as well as off-campus organizations: federal and state agencies, collaborating institutions, vendors and industry sponsors
• Ability to track and manage multiple deadlines
• Ability to write, coordinate and compile reports, correspondence, etc. using correct policies and procedures
• High degree of organizational skills and knowledge of office administration; ability to prioritize and balance work tasks in a demanding environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and to exercise independent judgment
• Ability to take initiative in carrying out assignments and in understanding and applying Departmental, College, University, Commonwealth and/or funding agency policy and procedures
• Ability to learn and use new software and hardware in a rapidly changing environment

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Familiarity with University of Massachusetts research administration systems
• Knowledge and understanding of university data processing systems, including PeopleSoft Financials, Summit, Concur and HR
• At least 3 years of grant accounting experience or equivalent

Work Schedule

• Flexible (minimum 5 hours per week, maximum 10-12 hours per week)
• Remote optional
• 1 year position, with potential for extension based on good performance reviews and funding