Research Grants and Contracts Specialist (Dallas, TX, US) - Parkland Hospitals

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose

Serves as a financial and operations resource to program directors, administrators, research personnel, staff, and partners of Parkland for the purpose of obtaining and administering federal and non-federal research funds in compliance with Parkland and sponsor guidelines. Ongoing responsibilities include budget development, invoicing, reporting, and other administrative functions to ensure successful development, management and close-out of research grants, contracts, and subcontracts.

Minimum Specifications

Education

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Must have five (5) years of experience in pre and post award grant management or clinical research finance.
• Must have one (1) year of contracting experience.
• Experience in medical research or healthcare environment preferred.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

• May have an equivalent combination of education and experience to substitute for both the education and the experience requirements.

Skills or Special Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in grant management, including budget development, proposal submissions, contract negotiations, grant monitoring, administrative and financial reporting, and closeout activities.
• Must have knowledge of general accounting and financial analysis.
• Must have a successful history of working collaboratively across sectors and the ability to work productively in reaching shared objectives.
• Must be able to work in a deadline-driven environment, handling and prioritizing multiple tasks.
• Must have excellent people skills (thoughtful, empathetic, and articulate).
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have a working knowledge of Windows-based systems, including MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook software.
• Must be a self-directed quick learner.

Responsibilities

1. Collaborates with principal investigators and department leadership to complete and submit federal and non-federal research grants and other sponsored activity, ensuring alignment with institutional and sponsor requirements.
2. Leads all pre- and post-award administrative functions for research, offering high-level oversight of compliance, documentation, and timely submissions.
3. Serves as a resource to departments, research personnel, and collaborators, providing expert guidance on research grant inquiries, identifying funding opportunities, interpreting complex proposal guidelines, offering strategic advice, and managing the internal routing and approval processes.
4. Oversees budget development and institutional authorization for research proposals, ensuring financial accuracy and feasibility.
5. Monitors and manages grant accounts for research, tracking expenses, performing grant and financial reconciliation, preparing financial reports (for non-government sponsors), and ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations.
6. Participates in contract negotiations with sponsors and various second parties, as well as facilitates contract execution.
7. Monitors and processes amendments and prior approval requests.
8. Assists with the preparation and delivery of research grant education deliverables and sessions for internal and external audiences.
9. Reviews and edits various policies and procedures for consistency in content, language, and format.
10. Performs data gathering, analysis, and reports on grant metrics. Assists the Director with complex problem-solving around specific grant issues.
11. Serves on various interdisciplinary workgroups as assigned to provide research grant expertise and representation.
12. Manages and leads research grant projects, coordinating across departments and stakeholders to ensure project success and alignment with strategic goals.

Job Accountabilities

1. Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
2. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
3. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.

Parkland Health and Hospital System prohibits discrimination based on age (40 or over), race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, disability, national origin, marital status, political belief, or veteran status.As part of our commitment to our patients and employees’ wellness, Parkland Health is a tobacco and smoke-free campus.