Grants and Contracts Specialist - HARC (HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER)

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, 4-10 years of related experience in federal grants, including knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and at least 2 years of pre- and post-award grant management experience. 
• Contract creation, negotiations, and management; paralegal experience is a plus. 
• Grant development; compliance and legal review. 
• Project management and stakeholder relations experience is mandatory. 

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:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is desired. 

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).