Research Grant Portfolio and Operations Manager in Worcester, Massachusetts at Clark University

Clark University

Location: Worcester, MA Category: Staff and Administrators Job Type: Full-time - Exempt Posted On: Mon Jul 27 2026 Job Description:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grant Proposal Preparation

Coordinate with faculty and research scientists to prepare budgets and financial sections of grant proposals to federal agencies, foundations, and other funders (approximately 30 proposals annually). Review proposal documents for completeness and compliance, assemble full proposal packages in Cayuse for submission through the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR), and enter proposals into agency portals such as Research.gov, Grants.gov, and NSPIRES.

Post-Award Grant Set-Up, Budgeting, and Compliance

Coordinate execution of award documentation, contracts, and subcontracts; review award terms for compliance and reporting requirements with OSPR. Prepare grant set-up forms and account codes, coordinate payroll authorizations for student, postdoctoral, and staff researchers, monitor and reconcile grant budgets, and advise PIs on sponsor budget requirements.

Institute Administrative Operations and Personnel

Oversee day-to-day Institute operations in consultation with the Director and Steering Committee. Coordinate faculty and staff appointments, direct and evaluate staff overseen by the position, manage hiring processes, and communicate regularly with researchers and staff regarding administrative and personnel matters.

Accounting Administration and Financial Reporting

Prepare and track the Institute's operating budget in partnership with the Director, monitor indirect cost recovery, forecast revenues, prepare financial reports, and reconcile Banner accounts with Institute funds and supporting source documents.

Institute and Endowed Fund Oversight

Track spending and account balances for Marsh Institute endowed funds, including visiting lecturer reimbursements, the O'Connor Fund and HERO Summer Program paperwork, and Geller Award administration. Assist the Director with scheduling and convening Steering Committee meetings and identifying funding opportunities.

Facilities and Information Systems Administration

Oversee Institute facilities scheduling and use, coordinate purchases and installation of computer systems and equipment, liaise with Information Technology Services on access and technical issues, and maintain Institute databases, files, and mailing lists.

Outreach, Communications, and Training

Handle daily inquiries and correspondence, assist with the Marsh Institute Annual Report and website maintenance, coordinate lectures and seminars, attend relevant university and external meetings, and train and supervise support staff and work-study students on Institute systems and procedures.

Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in research grant management, accounting administration, university administration, operations/project management, or a related field
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including a high level of proficiency in Excel or similar spreadsheet/database software
Familiarity with general accounting concepts and practices
Demonstrated experience working with and contributing to a diverse workplace, with the ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents across campus

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with grant submission and management platforms such as Research.gov, Grants.gov, NSPIRES, or other agency proposal portals
Experience using Banner
Experience using Cayuse
Prior experience supervising staff
Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) for federal grants management

Additional Information:

Expected Hiring Range:The posting salary range for the position is $60,900 to $78,650.

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.