Contracts and Grants Manager - Davis, CA, Job ID 89709

Contracts and Grants Manager – Davis, CA, Job ID 89709

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

Job Description

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators.

Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Additional Information:

• Discover our organization at UC ANR and explore our Mission.
• Through our Statewide Programs and Institutes, UC ANR academics and UC faculty collaborate in integrated teams to tackle priority problems through combined research and extension.
• Our Strategic Initiatives serve as our roadmap, helping us stay unified and effectively advocate for the work we do.
• Through our seven Public Value Statements, we share the real-world difference our research and extension work make for the public.
• We maintain a culture of equity and respect, with all UC ANR employees committed to the Civil Rights Compliance Policy.
• We champion inclusive excellence through our Principles of Community, creating a professional home where everyone, regardless of background, feels they belong and has the opportunity to grow.

Position Summary:

Under direction of the Senior Contracts and Grants Manager and/or Associate Director, work with academics and staff from a specific set of Statewide Programs, Research and Extension Centers, and Cooperative Extension to review complex research contracts and grant proposals prior to submission to sponsors; negotiate research agreements with sponsors.

Represent the Office of Contracts and Grants at workshops and seminars to inform and explain/discuss campus policies and procedures governing the responsibilities of Research Administration. Approves reviews conducted by entry-level analysts. Approves/signs-off submission of pre-award update information requested by sponsor representatives before issue of awards. Independently negotiates terms and conditions of complex research grant, contract and subcontract proposals and awards from various sponsors. Maintains appropriate approvals
from applicable compliance committees. Directs, initiates and designs analyses of federal, state, and university policy and assists with developing and writing office and organization policy and procedures.

Communicates/teaches research administration concepts at national meetings, organization or departmental. Maintains and develops professional relationships with sponsor representatives. Independently detects areas where new regulations need to be understood and implemented. Maintains communication with review committees to learn of new requirements.

Department Summary:

Our goal at the Office of Contracts and Grants (OCG) is to provide principal investigators assistance with proposal preparation and with resources and expertise so that they may better understand contract and grant administration and successfully administer sponsored awards. The UC ANR OCG is the authorized organizational representative for all extramurally sponsored projects at UC ANR.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote work with on-site work at the designated office in Davis, CA. Candidates must be available to work on-site at least two days per week, with additional on-site work and travel as business needs require.

Pay Scale: $85,575.00/year to $121,590.00/year

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11/11/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

25%

PROPOSAL ADMINISTRATION

• Provide expert-level advice and assistance to faculty and staff during the development of grant, cooperative agreement, contract and subcontract proposals to for-profit, non-profit, state and local government sponsors, as well as UC sponsored programs and UC/DOE labs (e.g., interpreting Federal and state regulations and University policy, sponsor's proposal instructions and policies.)
  
  
• Provide guidance to faculty and staff on the use of sponsor electronic research administration systems.
  
  
• Conduct grant, cooperative agreement, contract and subcontract proposal reviews for compliance with applicable Federal and state laws and regulations, UC policies and procedures, and sponsor policies. Identify areas of risk and/or concern and provide consultative services to faculty and staff on resolution of these areas prior to proposal endorsement.
  
  
• On behalf of The Regents, exercise independent signature authority for submitting proposals for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts within delegated authority amounts. As necessary, note the University's objections to, or understanding of, specific sponsor terms or policies.
  
  
• Identify and coordinate special campus/UC approvals where required.
  
  
• Coordinate academic reviews or as appropriate conduct special administrative reviews.
  
  

45%

PRE-AWARD COORDINATION, AWARD NEGOTIATION & ACCEPTANCE

• Draft and negotiate highly complex contracts and other legal documents consistent with University policy; conduct comprehensive analyses of contracts proposed by extramural sponsors for compliance with University policy. Review, analyze, and negotiate award terms and conditions.
  
  
• Analyze requests for approval to spend funds in advance of receiving an award and make recommendations for approval or disapproval to the Associate Director/Director of Contracts & Grants.
  
  
• Participate as an institutional representative during sponsor site visits.
  
  
• Determine the necessity for, and coordinate, legal reviews of grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts.
  
  
• Secure the concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices, as appropriate, prior to accepting awards with non-standard terms and conditions. Advise all concerned parties of their responsibilities in meeting special or unusual award requirements.
  
  
• Analyze and confirm award activities have been reviewed and approved by any appropriate regulatory committees.
  
  
• Ensure conflict of interest review has been conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  
  
• On behalf of The Regents, accept/execute grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts from for-profit, non-profit, state and local government sponsors, as well as UC sponsored programs and UC/DOE labs, within delegated authority amounts.
  
  
• Coordinate award acceptance activities and disseminate award information to the county offices, RECs, and statewide programs.
  
  

25%

POST AWARD AND AGREEMENT ADMINISTRATION

• Prepare and negotiate terms and conditions with subrecipients or collaborating parties under ANR prime awards for grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts from for-profit, non-profit, state and local government sponsors, as well as UC sponsored programs and UC/DOE labs.
  
  
• On behalf of the Regents, execute subcontracts under ANR prime awards.
  
  
• Monitor subcontracts for sub-recipient compliance, including financial responsibility, federal-wide assurance needs, and applicable regulatory committee approvals.
  
  
• Coordinate the timely submission of annual and interim reports to sponsors required under ANR's prime grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts.
  
  
• Analyze, coordinate and approve requests for prior approval of post award changes and actions.
  
  
• Interpret sponsor approval requirements, policies, Federal regulations, state statutes and University policy related to the management and administration of extramural awards.
  
  
• Review, coordinate and negotiate award modifications.
  
  
• Analyze and respond to needs for modifications to subcontracts, under ANR prime grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and subcontracts.
  
  
• Assist PI's, county/REC staff, statewide programs and central administration staff in solving project administrative problems and issues.
  
  
• Review and endorse correspondence to sponsors.
  
  
• Coordinate the timely submission of final reports and other required deliverables.
  
  

5%

GENERAL SUPPORT AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

• Monitor compliance reporting for mandatory programs such as Research Security Training and Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).
  
  
• Update and maintain OCG website, PI Hub, and online PI Training Module.
  
  
• Provide comments on University-wide and sponsor policies prior to implementation or promulgation.
  
  
• Serve as a content expert for ANR county-wide training projects in research administration. Serve as an instructor for courses related to grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and subawards.
  
  
• Provide recommendations and suggestions for improving office procedures and customer service.
  
  
• Assist with special projects as assigned.
  
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
  
  
• Extensive knowledge of program administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.
  
  
• Advanced knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
  
  
• Ability to manage high volume and complex transactions.
  
  
• Ability to perform highly complex financial analysis and customized reporting.
  
  
• Demonstrated advanced competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports.
  
  
• Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas.
  
  
• Maintains knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply sponsor, institutional and departmental policies. Knowledge of current compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
  
  
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
  
  
• Experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
  
  
• Full knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, Code of Federal Regulations, sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration.
  
  
• Ability to interpret policy for others.
  
  
• Advanced knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques.
  
  
• Advanced ability to create and train grant writing and other communications skills in a variety of styles to ensure securing grant funding required.
  
  

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of University of California (UC) policies and procedures, and UC experience in research administration.
  
  
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent professional certification
  
  
• Knowledge of industry best practices
  
  

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
  
  
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
  
  
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
  
  
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
  
  
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an 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; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
  
  

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
   
   

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  
  
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
    
    
    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
      
      

To apply, please visit: https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucanr/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=89709&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=17&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant









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