University of Kentucky logo

University of Kentucky

Grant Specialist

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Lexington, KY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $44K - $70K

💻 Other

🗓️ July 30th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring a Grant Specialist. The role involves supporting proposal development, budget preparation, facilitating internal approvals, and managing data entry and analysis related to sponsored projects, while ensuring compliance with policies and providing exceptional customer service.

Highlights
  • Support sponsored project proposal development, including budget preparation and internal approval facilitation.
  • Enter and analyze proposal data within sponsor and university systems.
  • Stay current on sponsored project policies and university regulations.
  • Provide timely customer service responses and follow-ups related to grant processing.
  • Required proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Requires a Master's degree, with at least 1 year of related experience; equivalent experience may substitute education.
  • Salary range of $43,805 to $70,075 per year for a full-time staff position.
  • Flexible work options include fully remote or hybrid arrangements near Lexington, KY.
  • Collaborative Grant Services department supports a growing sponsored research program at the University.
  • Work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, with additional hours during peak deadlines.

Grant Specialist Full Description

Grant Specialist
Job Title  | Grant Specialist
Requisition Number  | RE51064
Working Title  | Pre-Award Grant Specialist
Department Name  | 40132:Collaborative Grant Services
Work Location  | Lexington, KY
Grade Level  | 44
Salary Range  | $43,805-70,075/year
Type of Position  | Staff
Position Time Status  | Full-Time
Required Education  | MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:  | https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience  | 1yr
Required License/Registration/Certification  | None.
Physical Requirements  | Sitting for long periods of time; repetitive motion related to computer work.
Shift  | Monday – Friday, 8:00 am EST – 5:00 pm EST; additional hours especially during peak deadline times.
Can be fully remote or hybrid if near Lexington, KY.

Job Summary  | Shape the Future of Research Administration at the University of KentuckyWildcat Wisdom, Kentucky Innovation – Supporting Discoveries, Transforming Outcomes!

Why Join Us?
The University of Kentucky’s Collaborative Grant Services (CGS) department is seeking a dedicated and skilled Pre-Award Grant Specialist. This vital role supports the proposal, preparation, and submission of grants and contracts, enabling groundbreaking research across the
University.

About the Role:
With employees in the department currently working across the U.S. and from both coasts, this is a great remote work opportunity. For those near Lexington, KY, hybrid work may also be available.

As a Pre-Award Grant Specialist, responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, support of sponsored project proposal development including budget preparation, facilitation of internal approvals for proposal submissions, and contributing regular support through entry and analysis of data within various sponsor and university proposal-related systems. Additional responsibilities will be to remain current and knowledgeable on sponsored project policy and related university rules and regulations. The Grant Specialist will also be responsible for providing exceptional customer service through timely response and follow-up related to these duties.

Why Research Professionals Choose University of Kentucky Top 10% of Academic Medical Centers Nationwide: Recognized as a leader in research excellence and innovation. Forbes’ Best Large Employers: Ranked among the Top 100 Employers Nationwide in 2024 and named one of Kentucky’s Best Employers on Forbes’ America’s Best-In-State Employers list. 1 of 34 Universities Nationwide: Holds the prestigious trifecta of research designations in cancer, aging, and translational science. Flexible Remote Work Options: Enjoy the convenience of fully remote or hybrid roles while supporting groundbreaking research. Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations, virtual conferences, and training programs to advance your career.

Want to learn more about the Department?
Over the last decade, UK has nearly doubled its total awards for sponsored research, and in the past 5 years, sponsored research has grown more than 40%. In response to this, the Collaborative Grant Services (CGS) department was created to handle the business of research, so investigators can focus on the research. This is done by focusing on the people, processes, and technology involved with grants administration. More information about the department can be found at: https://www.research.uky.edu/collaborative-grant-services.

Interested in what UK Benefits have to offer?
The University of Kentucky is proud to offer a benefits package that helps us recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. In addition to your take-home pay, your benefits package is a major component of your total compensation at UK. These benefits include our 200 percent match on eligible retirement contributions; competitive health, dental, and vision coverage; tuition benefits for classes at UK, and much more. To learn more about these benefits, please visit: https://hr.uky.edu/employment/our-benefits.

Ready to Make a Difference in Research Administration?
Are you ready to take the next step in advancing research and innovation? Join us in UK’s Collaborative Grant Services department as the next dedicated Pre-Award Grant Specialist and play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking projects that shape the future.

The University of Kentucky uses equivalencies in determining if a potential applicant meets the minimum education and experience. Related experience can be substituted for education. Click here for more information about equivalencies: http://www.uky.edu/hr/employment/working-uk/equivalencies.
Driving Research Excellence – Apply Today!
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities  | Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?  | No
Preferred Education/Experience  |
Deadline to Apply  | 08/12/2025

Our University Community  | We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strongly encourage veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, and all minorities to consider our employment opportunities.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
  1. * Please indicate the number of years of paid work experience in which you were responsible for ensuring compliance with grant related or other complex policies and regulations. 
    • None
    • More than 0, less than 1
    • More than 1, less than 3
    • More than 3, less than 5
    • More than 5, less than 7
    • More than 7 years
  2. * Describe your ability to handle a large, varied and complex workload, including how you address challenges related to balancing attention to detail with working efficiently. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  3. * Describe your experience with preparing and/or managing complex grant or other budgets, including the most challenging issue you've resolved. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  4. * Provide an example that demonstrates your ability to successfully develop and maintain productive relationships with other (customers and co-workers). 
    (Open Ended Question)
  5. * Please indicate the number of years of paid experience you have with pre-award submission and preparation of grants. 
    • None
    • More than 0, less than 1
    • More than 1, less than 3
    • More than 3, less than 5
    • More than 5, less than 7
    • More than 7 years
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter
805 Las Cimas Parkway Suite 400 Austin, Texas, 78746