NRRI Grants and Finance Professional

Manage an independent workload of grant activity, including proposal and progress report submissions, compliance monitoring, data and file management, and other administrative tasks. Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), research personnel, finance staff, Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) staff, and other partners to facilitate proposal and grant activities. Provide expert guidance to PIs and other staff on the preparation, submission, and non-financial post-award management of external and internal funding.

Job Duties: Primary responsibilities an employee must perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. List up to six essential functions of the position, indicating the most important first, and the approximate percentage of time spent on each over the course of a year. Only list duties or responsibilities that require 10% or more (equivalent to half of a day per week or 5 weeks per year) of the position's time.

Grants & Research Development (Pre- and Post-Award) - 50%

• Pre-Awards - 40%
  • Support development and submission of new, large, and complex sponsored proposals, including coordination with central offices (e.g., SPA/Research Development Office (RDO))
  • Consult on sponsored budget development in collaboration with investigators and finance staff
  • Review and edit proposal narratives and supporting materials for clarity, compliance, and competitiveness
  • Provide proposal strategy support, including interpretation of sponsor solicitations and alignment with institutional priorities
• Post-Awards - 10%
  • Assist with proposal amendments, revisions, and sponsor-requested changes

Sponsored Projects Finance & Post-Award Support -30%

• Conduct monthly grant financial reporting and monitoring
• Develop sponsored budget forecasts and analyze variances
• Maintain Sponsored Financial Reporting (SFR) invoicing and billing records
• Serve as liaison between SFR and department staff during billing, closeout, and audit-related activities
• Coordinate award closeout processes and documentation
• Perform departmental effort coordination (depending on experience)
• Facilitate new NOGA meetings and provide onboarding support for new awards

Research Development & Strategic Support (NRRI/Research and Innovation Office (RIO)) -
10%

• Identify and evaluate funding opportunities aligned with NRRI and institutional research priorities
• Conduct targeted funding opportunity analysis and horizon scanning to inform proposal planning
• Support strategy development and project management for large or multi-investigator proposals
• Assist with coordination of proposal teams and timelines across investigators and administrative units
• Support partnership development activities related to sponsored projects, as appropriate

Training, Consultation, and Process Improvement - 10%

• Develop and deliver training related to sponsored projects administration, proposal development, and financial management
• Provide consultation to investigators and research staff on proposal submission strategies and post-award requirements
• Contribute to process documentation and continuous improvement efforts related to grants and sponsored projects
• Professional Development: Training and Skill Development through University and Agency courses

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Office environment / no specific or unusual physical or environmental demands.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree plus two years of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling six years.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work effectively with researchers and administrative staff
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records
• Ability to work independently with moderate supervision, applying established procedures and professional judgment to resolve routine to moderately complex issues
• Proficiency with standard office software and electronic document or submission systems

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education or research administration environment
• Experience with both pre-award and post-award sponsored projects administration
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota systems and processes (e.g., SPA, SFR, effort reporting, MN-GEMS or similar systems)
• Experience supporting large or complex proposals, including coordination across multiple investigators or units
• Experience with grant financial monitoring, forecasting, or closeout activities
• Experience providing guidance or training to faculty or research staff related to sponsored projects
• Experience supporting grants and contracts administration, including proposal preparation, submission, or post-award support
• Knowledge of sponsored project policies and compliance requirements (institutional, state, and federal)
• Experience assisting with budget development or review for sponsored projects
• Ability to interpret sponsor guidelines and ensure proposals meet compliance and deadline requirements

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:
Applied Ecology and Resource Management
Minerals and Metallurgy
Materials and Bioeconomy
Data Collection and Delivery
Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $62,254.40 - $74,880.00 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).