Grants and Contracts Lead

Job Description

At UL Research Institutes, we know why we come to work.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Grants and Contracts Lead at UL Research Institutes, based in our Evanston, Illinois, office. The Grants and Contracts Lead will oversee and manage the administration of grant and contract activities. This role involves ensuring compliance with funding requirements, facilitating effective development of grants and contracts, and providing expert guidance to researchers and staff. The Grants and Contracts Lead will demonstrate a strong understanding of grants management, regulatory compliance, and contract negotiation.

UL Research Institutes:

At UL Research Institutes (ULRI), we expand the boundaries of safety science to create a more secure and sustainable world. For more than a century, we have studied the unintended consequences of innovation, designed solutions to mitigate risk and shared our findings with academia, scientists, manufacturers, and policymakers across industries. We identify critical safety and sustainability issues, asking the tough questions because we believe a safer world begins with knowledge.

Build a safer, more secure, and sustainable future with us. Join us and work with our teams who conduct the research required to produce that knowledge and put into practice.

What you'll learn and achieve:

As the Grants and Contracts Lead, you will play a key role in the rapid growth of UL as you:

• Oversee and manage the pre- and post-award processes of grants from application through closeout, ensuring compliance with institutional, federal, and sponsor regulations.

• Review research proposals and budgets for accuracy, negotiates and manages research contracts, including collaborative agreements, service agreements, and subawards.

• Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to funding agencies and other stakeholders.

• Provide support and guidance to researchers and administrative staff on grant and contract matters. Assist with proposal development, including budget preparation and justifications.

• Oversee the team in manager's absence and promotes a positive culture, strong teamwork, and a high service standard.

• Conduct training sessions for researchers and staff on grants and contracts management processes and best practices.

• Address and resolve issues related to grants, contracts, and budgets including discrepancies, non-compliance, and contractual disputes.

• Works closely with other departments, including finance, legal, and research, to ensure smooth operation of grant and contract activities.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of grants and contracts, including financial transactions and correspondence.

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies.

• Contribute to and/or lead other department specific and cross-functional initiatives.

What you'll experience working at UL Research Institutes: For the organizations across the UL enterprise, corporate and social responsibility isn't new. We have pursued our mission of working for a safer, more secure, and sustainable world for nearly 130 years, embedding conscientious stewardship into everything we do.

• People: Our people make us special. You'll work with a diverse team of experts respected for their independence and transparency and build a network, because our approach is collaborative. We collaborate across disciplines, organizations, and geographies to build the global scientific response that today's global challenges require.

• Interesting work: Every day is different for us here. We see what's on the horizon and use our expertise to build the foundations of a safer future. You'll have the opportunity to push the boundaries of human understanding as part of a team working to advance the public good.

• Grow and achieve: We learn, work, and grow together through targeted development, reward, and recognition programs.

• Values. Four core values guide our work: collaboration, respect, integrity, and beneficence. By living our values, we inspire the trust essential to fulfilling our mission and foster the partnerships that enable us to pursue a beneficent future in which we all can thrive.

• Total Rewards: All employees at UL Research Institutes are eligible for bonus compensation. We offer comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans and a generous 401k matching structure of up to 5% of eligible pay. Moreover, we invest an additional 4% into your retirement saving fund after your first year of continuous employment. Depending on your role, you may be able to discuss flexible working arrangements with your manager. We also provide employees with paid time off, including vacation, holiday, sick, and volunteer days.

What makes you a great fit:

While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional competencies and personal attributes:

• Strong body of knowledge in Research Administration gained through years of experience and/or the CRA (Certified Research Administrator) Certification.

• Well-versed understanding of Uniform Guidance including familiarity with Federal Acquistion Regulations and non-federal funding regulations, grant proposal processes, and contract negotiations.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in grants management software and Microsoft Office Suite.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in managing and reviewing grant and contract documentation.

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities and deadlines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Professional education and experience requirements for the role include:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in grants and contracts management within a research institution, or similar environment.

• Experience in a research or academic environment highly preferred.

• Some supervisory experience preferred.

About UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement

UL Research Institutes and UL Standards & Engagement are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing safety science research through the discovery and application of scientific knowledge. We conduct rigorous independent research and analyze safety data, convene experts worldwide to address risks, share knowledge through safety education and public outreach initiatives, and develop standards to guide safe commercialization of evolving technologies. We foster communities of safety, from grassroots initiatives for neighborhoods to summits of world leaders. Our organization employs collaborative and scientific approaches with partners and stakeholders to drive innovation and progress toward improving safety, security, and sustainability, ultimately enhancing societal well-being.

Our wholly owned subsidiary, UL Solutions, advances our shared public safety mission. We fund our work through grants, the licensing of standards documents and the business activities of UL Solutions, which conducts testing, verification and certification, and provides training and advisory services, along with data-driven reporting and decision-making tools for customers around the world.

To learn more, visit our websites UL.org and ULSE.org.