Contracting Officer jobs at Harvard University - 5 jobs

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. Job Summary Prepares and facilitates the submission of a high volume of complex and competitive grant proposals (including interdisciplinary research proposals, research center proposals, and proposals for single or multiple investigators) in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Essential Functions * Confers individually with faculty members concerning their proposal plans; interprets the request for proposal (RFP) and provides direction to faculty on requirements; customizes and organizes information to develop timelines and submission strategies. * Confers with multiple faculty investigators to address the administrative requirements for submission of grant and contract proposals for interdisciplinary research projects, research center proposals, and multiple investigator research proposals. * Prepares non-scientific documents (budget forms, budget justification) and provides guidance on other documents such as bio sketches, current and pending support form, facilities and resources, etc.. * Creates detailed budgets within sponsor and University guidelines and analyzes and evaluates contract and grant budgets for correct calculation of expenditure categories such as salaries, percent of effort, cost of living increases, fringe benefits, other direct costs, and indirect cost calculation. * Inputs proposal data, forms and budget information into electronic routing and submission systems i.e. SmartGrant, FastGrant and NSF Fastlane. * Ensures that comprehensive subcontract documentation from external institutions is prepared in an accurate and timely manner. * Provide ongoing pre- and post-award support for the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center. * Acts as liaison with funding organizations, other departments and university offices, performing significant problem-solving duties. * Works closely with Office of Grant & Contract Administration staff, RSS staff, and senior leaders to ensure accurate procedural compliance on grants. * Monitors and maintains understanding of related university, federal and state rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and communicates with faculty regarding compliance with fiscal policies. Other Functions * Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness. * Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS 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. Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) * Four (4) years of full time or equivalent part-time experience in administrative work to include at least two (2) years of grant/contract administration support work. (An Associate's degree or higher with a major in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management or Public Administration may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. An Associate's or higher degree with a major other than in accounting, business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of the required experience.) * Experience in interpreting funding guidelines; previous experience working with federal rules, regulations, and policies (e.g., OMB Circulars A- 21 and A-110, Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Federal Acquisition Regulations [FAR], Cost Accounting Standards [CAS]) and governing administration of grants and contracts. * Experience with multiple funding agencies including federal sponsors and private foundations. * Experience submitting proposals for a single PI and/or multiple investigator research group in a fast-paced deadline driven environment. * Experience working independently with responsibility for decision making. * Ability to adapt to and work effectively as situations change. * Sound judgement to make independent decisions under pressure. * Ability to effectively communicate with and exercise tact, establish effective working relationships, deal with conflicting views or issues and mediate fair solutions, and maintain a high degree of professionalism when working with CNS faculty, staff, University departments, other research administration departments, and sponsoring agencies. * Ability to resolve budgetary problems and issues. * Strong attention to detail while working within deadlines and ability to prioritize workload effectively. * Ability to analyze complex problems, organize information, identify underlying causes, and generate solutions. * Ability to foresee and troubleshoot potential complications and conflicts of interest regarding sponsor technical requirements, roles of collaborating participants, federal, state and sponsor regulations. Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure) * Experience assisting faculty with submitting various types of proposals including interdisciplinary, multi-site projects, research centers, and instructional training grants preferred. * Experience with various computer systems and on-line submission portals preferred. * Knowledge of University accounting regulations preferred. Physical Demands * Typical Office Environment. Work Schedule * Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm. * This position has the opportunity for a fully remote work schedule, or alternatively, a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the University Staff Association, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the University Staff Association collective bargaining agreement, therefore. Salary Information USA/MTA Non-Exempt Grade 16. Classified Step Scale Special Instructions to Applicants Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals at: Inclusive Excellence : College of Natural Sciences : UMass Amherst, and For the Common Good - 2024-2034 : Strategic Plan : UMass Amherst. The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws. Advertised: Nov 21 2025 Eastern Standard Time Applications close: Feb 21 2026 Eastern Standard Time

Under the general direction of the Sr. Department Administrator, or designee, the Grant and Contract Specialist III is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative, financial, and pre- and post-award budgetary functions in support of departmental activities, to include both responsibilities for both restricted and unrestricted departmental funds. The Grant and Contract Specialist III will display a high degree of initiative and independent judgment and collaborate closely with laboratory leadership to continually assess and direct a wide range of issues including research program operations, personnel management, regulatory, quality improvement, long range financial planning. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Lead effort in management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising Sr. administrator and PI of sponsor guidelines, participation in application assembly, budget preparation, faculty guidance, e-submission processes, UMMS required paperwork, etc. and other administrative requirements for the submission of all federal and non-federal grants and contracts Working knowledge of NIH and other federal, state and foundation regulations and requirements. Identifies, proposes and implements creative solutions to potential fiscal issues. Develop and manage the division's annual budget and report variances and recommend corrective action. Provide high level fiscal analysis on forecasts as needed Verify that funds are available for all equipment, personnel and major purchases. Assure compliance with federal purchase and contract requirements. • Coordinate with central grant accounting and department staff on deposits, electronic transfers and cost transfers to funds/contracts Manage division(s) funding sources by monitoring revenue and expenditure activity Represent the department at administrative meetings within and outside of the Medical School applicable with their assigned divisions. Develop, lead and train junior staff which include (administrative assistants, financial assistants, and lower level grants and contracts specialists) Serve on Institutional committees established to improve school operations and system implementations Assist in determining space and facility needs for the unit faculty Advise faculty and staff on compensation and benefit policies and procedures Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements for all sponsored research activity, keeping detailed files and a tracking mechanism for annual renewals. Inform Sr. administrator of variances Assist in analytical studies of existing or proposed clinical trials to provide the economic basis for management decisions to improve operational/financial performance and to realize productivity improvements Monitor all clinical trial funding sources for assigned divisions by tracking revenue and expenditure activity and monitoring of trial milestones, identify variances and assist in resolving account variances Monitor contracts, extensions, and amendments with outside vendors, private agencies, and consultants in conjunction with Purchasing and legal offices; monitor the contracts for cost effectiveness and quality performance standards Prepare data for financial reports, budgets, budget and research fund reconciliations, forecasting, analysis, and ad-hoc reports for Sr Administrator and PI” s as needed. Perform analysis of data as required Work with the Sr. Administrator, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalize all expenditure activity of expired grants; deposit checks to any income and service fund accounts Manage all phases of post-award grants and contracts administration, to include monitoring budgets, expenses, and recovered overhead. Advise Sr. Administrator and PI of reporting requirements Assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities Monitor post-award activities to ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and all reporting requirements are met. Inform Sr. Administrator and PI on budget variances Oversee changes to award budgets and the submission of the necessary paperwork for approval of such actions Prepare reports for federal and sponsoring agencies Assist and participate with Grant Accounting in award termination process to close-out accounts. Notify Sr. Administrator and PI of final status Monitor operating expenses, prepare monthly variance-to-budget reports, Departmental voluntary and mandatory cost sharing, and advise the Administrator on reconciliation actions Oversees fiscal functions of Administrative Assistants within their assigned divisions (e.g. procard oversight, travel requests from multiple PIs and staff and oversee the processing of consultant agreements, travel vouchers, purchase orders, reallocation of expenditures, and other expenses Oversee and responsible for Effort certification for faculty Responsible for the process of initiating and submitting payroll personnel action forms related to transfers, funding changes etc. Audit the accuracy of employee payroll data Provide great customer service Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent experience (In school) 5-7 years of relevant job experience, or equivalent, preferably in an academic environment. Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports, at both account and summary levels Demonstrated research administration experience with pre and post award emphasis. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and, PowerPoint), or similar software applications. Knowledge of enterprise financial products Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written) needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management Proficiency and experience with a Grants Management system Detail-oriented & analytic problem-solver • Excellent organizational and electronic document management skills • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines • Excellent people skills and relationship management Good communication skills across multiple levels of the organization. • An enthusiasm for working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic setting. Ability to maintain extensive electronic document and e-mail files which are department property. Demonstrated ability to be organized and flexible in an environment which requires continuous monitoring of priorities. Exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality. Highly goal oriented, self-motivated, and team player

Shift: Day Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt Business Unit: UMass Chan Medical School Department: School - Molecular Cell & Cancer Biology - W495000 Job Type: Full-Time -W60- Non Unit Professional Num. Openings: 1 Post Date: Dec. 19, 2025 Work Location: Hybrid Salary Minimum: USD $68,000.00/Yr. Salary Maximum: USD $84,000.00/Yr. SUMMARY OF POSITION: Under the general direction of the Sr. Department Administrator, or designee, the Grant and Contract Specialist III is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative, financial, and pre- and post-award budgetary functions in support of departmental activities, to include both responsibilities for both restricted and unrestricted departmental funds. The Grant and Contract Specialist III will display a high degree of initiative and independent judgment and collaborate closely with laboratory leadership to continually assess and direct a wide range of issues including research program operations, personnel management, regulatory, quality improvement, long range financial planning. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Lead effort in management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising Sr. administrator and PI of sponsor guidelines, participation in application assembly, budget preparation, faculty guidance, e-submission processes, UMMS required paperwork, etc. and other administrative requirements for the submission of all federal and non-federal grants and contracts * Working knowledge of NIH and other federal, state and foundation regulations and requirements. * Identifies, proposes and implements creative solutions to potential fiscal issues. * Develop and manage the division's annual budget and report variances and recommend corrective action. Provide high level fiscal analysis on forecasts as needed * Verify that funds are available for all equipment, personnel and major purchases. Assure compliance with federal purchase and contract requirements. • Coordinate with central grant accounting and department staff on deposits, electronic transfers and cost transfers to funds/contracts * Manage division(s) funding sources by monitoring revenue and expenditure activity * Represent the department at administrative meetings within and outside of the Medical School applicable with their assigned divisions. * Develop, lead and train junior staff which include (administrative assistants, financial assistants, and lower level grants and contracts specialists) * Serve on Institutional committees established to improve school operations and system implementations * Assist in determining space and facility needs for the unit faculty * Advise faculty and staff on compensation and benefit policies and procedures * Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements for all sponsored research activity, keeping detailed files and a tracking mechanism for annual renewals. Inform Sr. administrator of variances * Assist in analytical studies of existing or proposed clinical trials to provide the economic basis for management decisions to improve operational/financial performance and to realize productivity improvements * Monitor all clinical trial funding sources for assigned divisions by tracking revenue and expenditure activity and monitoring of trial milestones, identify variances and assist in resolving account variances * Monitor contracts, extensions, and amendments with outside vendors, private agencies, and consultants in conjunction with Purchasing and legal offices; monitor the contracts for cost effectiveness and quality performance standards * Prepare data for financial reports, budgets, budget and research fund reconciliations, forecasting, analysis, and ad-hoc reports for Sr Administrator and PI" s as needed. Perform analysis of data as required * Work with the Sr. Administrator, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalize all expenditure activity of expired grants; deposit checks to any income and service fund accounts * Manage all phases of post-award grants and contracts administration, to include monitoring budgets, expenses, and recovered overhead. Advise Sr. Administrator and PI of reporting requirements * Assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities * Monitor post-award activities to ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and all reporting requirements are met. Inform Sr. Administrator and PI on budget variances * Oversee changes to award budgets and the submission of the necessary paperwork for approval of such actions * Prepare reports for federal and sponsoring agencies * Assist and participate with Grant Accounting in award termination process to close-out accounts. Notify Sr. Administrator and PI of final status * Monitor operating expenses, prepare monthly variance-to-budget reports, Departmental voluntary and mandatory cost sharing, and advise the Administrator on reconciliation actions * Oversees fiscal functions of Administrative Assistants within their assigned divisions (e.g. procard oversight, travel requests from multiple PIs and staff and oversee the processing of consultant agreements, travel vouchers, purchase orders, reallocation of expenditures, and other expenses * Oversee and responsible for Effort certification for faculty * Responsible for the process of initiating and submitting payroll personnel action forms related to transfers, funding changes etc. Audit the accuracy of employee payroll data * Provide great customer service * Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent experience (In school) * 5-7 years of relevant job experience, or equivalent, preferably in an academic environment. * Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports, at both account and summary levels * Demonstrated research administration experience with pre and post award emphasis. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and, PowerPoint), or similar software applications. Knowledge of enterprise financial products * Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written) needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management * Proficiency and experience with a Grants Management system * Detail-oriented & analytic problem-solver • Excellent organizational and electronic document management skills • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines • Excellent people skills and relationship management * Good communication skills across multiple levels of the organization. • An enthusiasm for working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic setting. * Ability to maintain extensive electronic document and e-mail files which are department property. * Demonstrated ability to be organized and flexible in an environment which requires continuous monitoring of priorities. * Exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality. * Highly goal oriented, self-motivated, and team player Posting Disclaimer: This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution. In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement). At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience. We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams. Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role. In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan. UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

Under the general direction of the Sr. Department Administrator, or designee, the Grant and Contract Specialist III is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative, financial, and pre- and post-award budgetary functions in support of departmental activities, to include both responsibilities for both restricted and unrestricted departmental funds. The Grant and Contract Specialist III will display a high degree of initiative and independent judgment and collaborate closely with laboratory leadership to continually assess and direct a wide range of issues including research program operations, personnel management, regulatory, quality improvement, long range financial planning. Responsibilities ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Lead effort in management of all pre-award administration, to include, but not limited to, advising Sr. administrator and PI of sponsor guidelines, participation in application assembly, budget preparation, faculty guidance, e-submission processes, UMMS required paperwork, etc. and other administrative requirements for the submission of all federal and non-federal grants and contracts * Working knowledge of NIH and other federal, state and foundation regulations and requirements. * Identifies, proposes and implements creative solutions to potential fiscal issues. * Develop and manage the division's annual budget and report variances and recommend corrective action. Provide high level fiscal analysis on forecasts as needed * Verify that funds are available for all equipment, personnel and major purchases. Assure compliance with federal purchase and contract requirements. • Coordinate with central grant accounting and department staff on deposits, electronic transfers and cost transfers to funds/contracts * Manage division(s) funding sources by monitoring revenue and expenditure activity * Represent the department at administrative meetings within and outside of the Medical School applicable with their assigned divisions. * Develop, lead and train junior staff which include (administrative assistants, financial assistants, and lower level grants and contracts specialists) * Serve on Institutional committees established to improve school operations and system implementations * Assist in determining space and facility needs for the unit faculty * Advise faculty and staff on compensation and benefit policies and procedures * Monitor regulatory and compliance requirements for all sponsored research activity, keeping detailed files and a tracking mechanism for annual renewals. Inform Sr. administrator of variances * Assist in analytical studies of existing or proposed clinical trials to provide the economic basis for management decisions to improve operational/financial performance and to realize productivity improvements * Monitor all clinical trial funding sources for assigned divisions by tracking revenue and expenditure activity and monitoring of trial milestones, identify variances and assist in resolving account variances * Monitor contracts, extensions, and amendments with outside vendors, private agencies, and consultants in conjunction with Purchasing and legal offices; monitor the contracts for cost effectiveness and quality performance standards * Prepare data for financial reports, budgets, budget and research fund reconciliations, forecasting, analysis, and ad-hoc reports for Sr Administrator and PI" s as needed. Perform analysis of data as required * Work with the Sr. Administrator, principal investigators, and staff to resolve problems and to optimize the use of funds as required; finalize all expenditure activity of expired grants; deposit checks to any income and service fund accounts * Manage all phases of post-award grants and contracts administration, to include monitoring budgets, expenses, and recovered overhead. Advise Sr. Administrator and PI of reporting requirements * Assist faculty in finding possible funding opportunities * Monitor post-award activities to ensure adherence to sponsor guidelines and all reporting requirements are met. Inform Sr. Administrator and PI on budget variances * Oversee changes to award budgets and the submission of the necessary paperwork for approval of such actions * Prepare reports for federal and sponsoring agencies * Assist and participate with Grant Accounting in award termination process to close-out accounts. Notify Sr. Administrator and PI of final status * Monitor operating expenses, prepare monthly variance-to-budget reports, Departmental voluntary and mandatory cost sharing, and advise the Administrator on reconciliation actions * Oversees fiscal functions of Administrative Assistants within their assigned divisions (e.g. procard oversight, travel requests from multiple PIs and staff and oversee the processing of consultant agreements, travel vouchers, purchase orders, reallocation of expenditures, and other expenses * Oversee and responsible for Effort certification for faculty * Responsible for the process of initiating and submitting payroll personnel action forms related to transfers, funding changes etc. Audit the accuracy of employee payroll data * Provide great customer service * Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, or equivalent experience (In school) * 5-7 years of relevant job experience, or equivalent, preferably in an academic environment. * Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret financial documents, such as system reports, at both account and summary levels * Demonstrated research administration experience with pre and post award emphasis. * Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access and, PowerPoint), or similar software applications. Knowledge of enterprise financial products * Excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written) needed to present and communicate effectively with all levels of management * Proficiency and experience with a Grants Management system * Detail-oriented & analytic problem-solver • Excellent organizational and electronic document management skills • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines • Excellent people skills and relationship management * Good communication skills across multiple levels of the organization. • An enthusiasm for working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic setting. * Ability to maintain extensive electronic document and e-mail files which are department property. * Demonstrated ability to be organized and flexible in an environment which requires continuous monitoring of priorities. * Exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality. * Highly goal oriented, self-motivated, and team player