SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Research Administrator II

Working/Functional Title

SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Research Administrator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups. We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture. We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities. We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension. We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff. Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides independent complex professional support to the research unit by providing services in one or more of the following research process areas: Pre-Award Administration Services, Research Administration Services, Post Award Administration Services, or Research Compliance and Training.

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Health and Nutrition Institute (HNI), this position will work with the HNI Fiscal Officer, HNI leadership, and Principal Investigator(s) (PIs) to provide oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grants.

Working as the SNAP-Ed and EFNEP Research Administrator, you will manage pre-award and post-award responsibilities for both grants including submission of plan of work budgets and amendments, while utilizing the government systems WebNEERS, EGrAMS, and N-PEARS. You will also establish hardship account(s) and prepare cost distributions to appoint staff to the grant account(s). Additionally, you will review all financial transactions for allowability under the grant(s) and adherence with applicable federal, state, local, and university policies, procedures, and regulations. You will follow-up with grant personnel on all expense related issues, prepare internal and external financial budgets and projections, and review and approve grant personnel effort reporting. You will also provide consultative service to project staff, PIs, and granting agencies to communicate policies and procedures and to facilitate required project monitoring. In this position, you will manage project account close-out activities, negotiate purchasing contracts, and oversee the preparation and submission of accounts payable transactions in order to secure supplies and services to carry out the project award.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension campus office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

Pre-Award Administration Services

Works with PI to prepare plan of work budget and justification. Coordinates with other university staff and departments to facilitate a timely proposal submission process while ensuring appropriate approvals. Reviews grant plan of work for completeness and accuracy; suggests corrections as necessary to comply with regulations. Serves as liaison between faculty/staff in communicating policies and procedures.

Research Administration Services

Assists in securing the cooperation of, and organization of a group effort between University personnel, departments, and members of the community as required. Serves as liaison between sponsor/funding source and PI, facilitates required project monitoring and creation and submission of reports, as necessary.  Coordinates provision of support to research personnel to meet regulatory submission requirements, informing and guiding with respect to submission components and process. Provides other supportive processes, accounts payable billing assistance, coordination, and communication with involved regulatory and administrative departments/units. Develops project components, including budget, conflict of interest reporting, monthly and annual reporting processes. Creates a variety of reports, documents, and correspondence for internal purposes in order to assist in the ongoing monitoring and development of the program. Balances multiple assignments, delivers quality analysis under time constrained deadlines. Remains current in the field through continuous learning. Participates in special projects as assigned.

Post Award Administration Services

Provides post- award administration of grants and contracts. Monitors ordering of supplies, services, and equipment. Coordinates the processing of cost share entries and effort reporting. Monitors and coordinates project ongoing financials and budgets for accuracy; advises on ongoing stewardship of research funds. Reviews award budget status with investigators; prepares interim and final financial and technical progress reports. Facilitates the administration, monitoring, and financial management of moderately complex grants in accordance with applicable Federal, State, local and university policies, procedures, and regulations. Contributes to contract execution, account setup and activation, monitors financials. Resolves problems concerning plan of work, contracts, financial reports, and/or accounts payable. Prepares and submits transactions in order to establish awards and manages account balances. Consults with sponsors, faculty, and personnel in order to determine expense allowability, cost-sharing requirements, prepare financial reports, and provide advice on proper procedures and guidelines. Follows up on expense issues with appropriate project personnel. Collects information required in audits and site visits. Works independently with grantor/PIs to analyze problems or needs and develops solutions by drawing on position of expertise.

Project Closeout Procedures

Manages project account closeout activities; develops final reports and provides analysis of project logistics. Provides closeout projections to CGA and PI as required. Organizes closeout procedures including review of personnel and recurring expenses. Coordinates administrative activities as required by funding source.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in business administration, finance, or a research-related field. One to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in research administration, including the area of pre or post award processes or related field such as regulatory administration. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. This job requires completion of Essentials of Research Administration (MSU Certificate) or equivalent within one year of hire. This position requires or will require prior to completion of the probationary period: knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet. Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

A service-oriented self-starter whose strengths include problem solving skills, and the ability to work on several projects simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment to facilitate proposal submission, preferably in an academic environment. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally. Understand and support the Health and Nutrition Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, or other human differences. Experience with electronic grant submission processes such as Grants.gov or NSF Fastlane or NIH assist. Experience reviewing agency solicitations. Experience in interpreting policy at all levels, including federal (Uniform Guidance, USDA/NIFA, NSF, NIH), state, local, and university policies, and procedures. Experience with other university units such as Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Contract and Grant Administration (CGA), Business Connect, Conflict of Interest and various compliance units. Extensive experience with Microsoft Office suite including Excel & Word. Experience with service center accounting, including preparing budgets and invoicing. Experience with EBS. Knowledge of MSU policies and procedures. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work with educators and staff with limited knowledge of grants and contracts. Ability to work effectively on an independent basis and in a team environment. Ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Able to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served. Other skills and/or abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

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