Contract/Grant Specialist

Baltimore, MD, United States

Position: Contract/Grant Specialist

Location: Baltimore, MD

Clearance: Public Trust

Work Environment: On-Site

Funding Status: Contingent

Knowesis is seeking a Contract/Grants Specialist in support of the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW), Human Effectiveness Directorate, Air and Space Biosciences Division, Product Development Branch, Enroute Care (RHBAM) located at the 711th HPW Geographically Separated Unit (GSU) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), MD.. The contract/grant specialist plays a pivotal role in managing the contractual and grant-related activities specific to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program. This position involves providing management support for the entire lifecycle of contracts and grants related to AFRL-funded projects, ensuring compliance with AFRL and UMB policies, as well as federal regulations.

This position requires a Public Trust clearance and requires U.S. Citizenship (applicants without proof of US citizenship will not be considered due to the position's security clearance requirement).

The Job Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Proposal Development:

Collaborate with faculty and researchers to develop proposals for AFRL-funded projects.

Ensure proposals adhere to AFRL guidelines and deadlines, and coordinate submission processes in accordance with UMB procedures.

Prepare grant and contract budget and application attachments; finalize documents for submission; and validate proposal errors and/or warnings.

Contract Development: Assist in the review of contracts to ensure they are structured to meet the needs of the AFRL program and the Cooperative Agreement with UMB.

Grant Administration: Manage the administration of grants awarded through the AFRL program, including budget development, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

Ensure timely submission of grant proposals, progress reports, and financial documentation.

Compliance and Regulatory Management: Stay informed of AFRL regulations, federal acquisition regulations (FAR), and other relevant policies and procedures.

Provide guidance to faculty and staff on compliance matters and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

Contract and Grant Management: Manage the entire lifecycle of contracts and grants, from initial award through closeout.

Ensure controls are in place to monitor contract performance, track expenditures, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Identify issues and resolve them independently.

Anticipate roadblocks and independently resolve them proactively.

Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with AFRL-funded projects.

Develop strategies to address potential issues and ensure project success while minimizing risk exposure.

AFRL Collaboration: Foster positive relationships with AFRL program managers and Baltimore staff, UMB faculty, and researchers.

Facilitate communication and collaboration to support the objectives of the AFRL program.

Coordinate closely with AFRL representatives and site leadership to ensure alignment with program objectives and requirements.

Time Management: Develop a timeline to meet submission deadlines and a checklist of required documents and independently adjust the timeline to adapt to change.

Adhere to set timelines.

Independently prioritizes processes to ensure timelines are met.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of contract and grant activities.

Prepare and submit regular reports to AFRL and UMB leadership on project status, financial performance, and compliance metrics.

Required Qualifications: The contractor employee shall possess

5 years demonstrated experience directly related to contract and grant management including proposal development, contract negotiation, and grant administration.

Thorough understanding of contract law, government regulations, and grant-making processes as well as familiarity with financial principles and budget management.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build relationships with external stakeholders.

Strong leadership skills including the ability to lead and mentor teams that include junior staff members.

Demonstrated experience of commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all aspects of contract and grant management.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and contract management software.

Preferred Experience: Contract/Grant management demonstrated experience in a government setting.

Preferred Certifications: Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) from the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) from the National Grants Management Association (NGMA).

Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field required

Master's degree preferred

Knowesis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.