Grants Coordinator I
Columbia University
Grants Coordinator I
- 555746
- Columbia University Medical Center
- P&S Vice Dean For Research
- Full Time
- Opening on: Mar 3 2026
- Grade 103
- Job Type: Officer of Administration
- Bargaining Unit:
- Regular/Temporary: Regular
- End Date if Temporary:
- Hours Per Week: 35
- Standard Work Schedule:
- Building:
- Salary Range: $67,000 - $70,000
Position Summary
As a member of the Pre-Award Team, the Grants Coordinator I contributes to CUIMC’s research mission by supporting grant-related pre-award administrative activities for the basic sciences and other participating departments in VP&S.
In this role, the Grants Coordinator I will leverage strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills to assist faculty in submission and pre-award administration of grants and contracts. Key areas of responsibility will include assisting PIs in the development, review, and submission of grants; tracking and managing application materials; assisting with the development of grant budgets; and maintaining records. Through this role, the Grants Coordinator I can expect to build their knowledge of grants administration terminology, processes, technology platforms, and regulations and learn to perform the full scope of pre-award grant management.
Exposure to academic grant-funded environments and a background in biological sciences or business are a plus, but more important are a strong customer service focus, ability to work collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment, and initiative.
Responsibilities
Pre-Award Grant Administration
- Trains under the direction of senior staff to gain a foundational knowledge and expertise in pre-award grants administration, with a primary focus on individual investigator grants. Stays informed about sponsor terms and conditions for submitting and administering grant awards.
- Assists PIs in the development, review, and submission of all Federal, State, and foundation grant and contract applications. Manages timelines and the overall progression of submission to ensure the on-time completion of high quality, responsive, and compliant proposal applications.
- Assists with preparation of grant budgets and budget justifications based on the aims provided and RFA requirements in full compliance with sponsor/donor and CU policies, as well as engages with outside collaborators and establishes subcontracts.
- Maintains detailed, up-to-date records of PI’s other support, biosketches, and grant submission documents.
- Responds to RFAs and summary statements and addresses issues prior to submission.
- Ensures progress reports are prepared and submitted as required by sponsoring program.
- Tracks the status of pending applications, follows up with investigator regarding review/funding status of application.
- Supports investigators in responding to Just-In-Time requests.
- Ensures files are complete for awarded applications, follows up with investigators and/or administrators regarding missing information.
- Maintains standards: budget templates, standardized checklists for core staff and PIs tailored to the sponsor/mechanism, standardized filing system using shared drives, updated resources and facilities.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
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Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Works collaboratively and cooperatively with faculty, grant writers, VP&S proposal development, SPA, and the post-award team on all aspects of grant administration.
- Develops and maintains a positive relationship with funding agencies, collaborating organizations and multiple internal offices.
- Demonstrates professionalism and accountability in interactions with internal clients through clear, respectful, and timely communication and responsive follow-up.
Continuous Improvement
- Participates in and/or supports assigned team projects and initiatives. Uses tools and reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure timely communication of issues and status.
- Keeps current on all organizational policies, goals, and initiatives.
- Successfully completes all required university and department trainings
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or combination of education and experience.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Customer service orientation, with the ability to interact and collaborate positively, constructively and effectively with multiple constituencies.
- Capacity to work independently and successfully within a deadline driven, multi-tasking environment. Ability to handle multiple projects and apply judgment to prioritize projects and tasks.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Strong commitment to fostering diversity and equity.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including strong Excel skills. Ability and willingness to learn new systems and programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in an academic grant funded environment preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in biological science or business/administration degree such as finance, accounting, business administration, business, public health, public administration, or a directly related field.
Other Requirements
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran
Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.