Post-Award Specialist (Finance)

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Post-Award Specialist serves as a resource providing guidance and oversight related to the fiscal, administrative, and regulatory management of grants, contracts, and sponsored programs from award acceptance through closeout. This position works closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide post-award services in managing grants and contracts.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The successful applicant must function well in a high workload environment requiring prioritizing and meeting deadlines; must take initiative, exercising independent judgment and discretion; be detail-oriented; and able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Further duties and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs and goals of the department.

Workplace Requirements .

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. The hybrid work arrangement will start after the first 90 days of employment. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range: $58,000 - $60,800 per year.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted.
• One year of experience
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education, above and beyond what is required, on an equivalent year-for-year basis may be substituted

Skills:

• Works effectively with others; helps others to solve problems; promotes teamwork and cooperation among individuals and/or departments.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to diagnose and solve problems using sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Analyze accounting transactions and ability to reconcile information.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel.

Preferences:

• Experience in research, clinical trials, or department administration.
• Experience using research administration systems, including, but not limited to, federal government portals such as FedConnect, eRA Commons, Research.gov., Grants.gov, and Cayuse

Essential Functions:

• Grant Management (including, but not limited to, participating in award setup, monitoring financial activity, interpreting and adhering to award terms and conditions, cost principles, and applicable regulations)
• Closeout (Monitor end dates and provide feedback to all stakeholders regarding the status of accounts and availability of funds)
• Reconciliation and Reporting (including, but not limited to, financial reports, labor and cost distributions, budget and obligations, ad-hoc reporting for internal stakeholders)

Additional Functions

• Ensure that federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, Rice University, and department policies and procedures are observed and followed.
• Effectively assess and complete post-award activities for the sponsored programs community, as well as plan, coordinate, and process post-award transactions.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with sponsored programs community.
• Conduct clear and concise communications supporting the sponsored program's mission.
• Manage sponsored projects post-award activities utilizing critical thinking, problem-solving, independent initiatives, and facilitating interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Serve as a post-award resource to sponsored programs community on federal, industry, state, and non-profit awards as assigned.
• Participate as a team member on selected projects.
• Effectively fosters own personal and professional growth through a variety of educational and professional strategies.
• Maintains accurate records of assigned sponsored program activities.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.