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University of Kentucky

Grant Specialist Sr

🇺🇸 Hybrid - Lexington, KY

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $52K - $86K

💻 Other

🗓️ July 30th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

University of Kentucky is hiring a Grant Specialist Sr. The role involves supporting the development, budget preparation, and submission of research grant proposals, managing data in proposal-related systems, and ensuring compliance with sponsored project policies. The specialist provides advanced-level support and delivers timely, exceptional customer service to facilitate groundbreaking research projects.

Highlights
  • Support sponsored project proposal development including budget preparation and internal approvals.
  • Maintain current knowledge of sponsored project policies and university regulations.
  • Provide timely and exceptional customer service related to grant pre-award processes.
  • Work with Microsoft Office tools such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Teams.
  • Salary range: $52,021 - $85,800 per year.
  • Requires a Master's degree and 4 years of related experience; related experience may substitute for education.
  • Preferred knowledge includes federal grant regulations, NIH eRA Commons, SAP, and Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification.
  • Collaborative Grant Services department supports faculty with research administration to increase sponsored research awards.
  • Flexible remote or hybrid work options available, with core hours Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
  • University offers extensive benefits including retirement matching, health coverage, and tuition benefits.

Grant Specialist Sr Full Description

Grant Specialist Sr
Job Title  | Grant Specialist Sr
Requisition Number  | RE51067
Working Title  | Pre-Award Grant Specialist Sr
Department Name  | 40132:Collaborative Grant Services
Work Location  | Lexington, KY
Grade Level  | 46
Salary Range  | $52,021-85,800/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  | 4 yrs
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; and 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 Senior. 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 Senior, 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 Pre-Award Grant Specialist Senior will also be responsible for providing exceptional customer service through timely response and follow-up related to these duties. All responsibilities will be completed with an advanced level of understanding for all grant pre-award processes.

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 Senior 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, Teams.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?  | No
Preferred Education/Experience  | Working knowledge of federal grant and academic institution sponsored research regulations is preferred.
Knowledge of NIH eRA Commons is preferred.
Knowledge of SAP is preferred.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is preferred.
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 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 experience with preparing and/or managing complex grant budgets, including the most challenging issue you've resolved. 
    (Open Ended Question)
  3. * Provide an example that demonstrates your ability to successfully develop and maintain productive relationships with other (customers and co-workers). 
    (Open Ended Question)
  4. * 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)
  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
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