Grants and Contracts Specialist

Department: Business Administration

Reports To: Manager, Business Administration

About HARC:

Created in 1982, HARC is a nonprofit research organization that applies science to drive energy, air, water, and resilience solutions for a sustainable and equitable future. We support policies and technologies that promote sustainability based on scientific principles. Our work starts with evidence-based research and leads to the implementation of sustainable programs.

HARC’s Mission Statement:

HARC applies science to drive energy, air, water, and resilience solutions for a sustainable and equitable future.

      HARC is seeking a Grants and Contracts Specialist for our team in The Woodlands, TX.

Role Purpose:

The Grants and Contracts Specialist administers pre-award and post-award grant activities, providing leadership with budgets, reporting, compliance, and contracting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Duties:

·         Regularly review funding opportunities and communicate them to relevant parties.

·         Ensure proposals comply with funding guidelines.

·         Oversee post-award administration for resource management and compliance.

·         Enhance financial system processes for efficiency and compliance.

·         Draft and negotiate agreements, subawards, and contracts.

Operations Duties:

·         Update and monitor proposal statuses.

·         Recommend and negotiate new awards.

·         Create and manage project accounts and subcontractor agreements.

·         Maintain grants management systems.

·         Assist with month-end financial closing, audits, and annual budget preparation.

·         Provide guidance on financial management systems.

Research Support:

·         Communicate with researchers and support teams.

·         Assist researchers with funding, proposal preparation, and budget submissions.

·         Conduct project award kickoff meetings.

·         Provide post-award administration support and compliance guidance.

·         Draft subcontractor and consultant agreements.

External Responsibilities:

·         Liaise with sponsors, subcontractors, and consultants on contractual matters.

Internal Responsibilities:

·         Actively participate in team meetings and improvement discussions.

·         Occasionally present relevant topics to internal or external stakeholders.

·         Serve on ad hoc committees as needed.

Continuing Education:

·         Maintain knowledge of current principles and practices in the field.

·         Stay updated on nonprofit leadership and performance management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

·         Bachelor's degree or equivalent, plus two years of experience; or 4-10 years of related experience.

·         Federal grants experience, including knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance)

·         Construction industry experience is not required but is a plus.

Skills:

·         Proficiency in reading and writing business-related documents.

·         Strong problem-solving and data analysis abilities.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of NetSuite software is desirable.

·         Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Certificates and Licenses:

·         None required; Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or similar is desirable.

Additional Details

·         Hybrid role (2-3 days in-person, depending on department needs) located in The Woodlands, Texas.

·         Daily hours are from 8AM – 5PM; occasional evening and weekend work (depending on department needs).