Grants and Finance Administrator

Grants and Finance Administrator

School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET)

Help Power Research That Changes the World

Brandeis University is seeking a highly organized, analytical, and collaborative Grants and Finance Administrator to join the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET).

In this critical role, you will partner with world-class faculty, researchers, and university leaders to manage the financial and administrative operations that support groundbreaking research and innovation. From neuroscience and biology to computer science, engineering, psychology, and quantitative biology, your work will directly contribute to the success of research programs that advance knowledge and address society's most pressing challenges.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, building strong relationships, managing multiple priorities, and serving as a trusted advisor to faculty, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a nationally recognized research university.

Why Brandeis?

At Brandeis, we combine the rigor of a leading research institution with a collaborative and mission-driven culture. We value intellectual curiosity, innovation, inclusion, and the pursuit of excellence.

As part of the SET Dean's Office team, you'll work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to supporting faculty research, student success, and scientific discovery.

What You'll Do

As a Grants and Finance Administrator, you will serve as a trusted resource and strategic partner to faculty and researchers throughout the lifecycle of sponsored and institutional funding.

Research Grant Management (40%)

• Manage post-award financial administration for federal, foundation, corporate, and other sponsored research awards

• Monitor expenditures, reconcile accounts, project personnel and non-personnel expenses, and prepare monthly financial reports for Principal Investigators

• Track budgets and spending to ensure compliance and prevent overspending

• Collaborate with Sponsored Programs Accounting to support award management and closeout activities

Compliance and Research Administration (20%)

• Interpret sponsor regulations, federal guidelines, and university policies

• Ensure grant-funded activities comply with NIH, NSF, Uniform Guidance, and other sponsor requirements

• Conduct regular funding analyses and financial reviews

• Advise faculty and research staff on compliance-related matters

University Funds Management (15%)

• Oversee budgeting, reporting, and reconciliation for departmental operating funds, discretionary accounts, gifts, endowments, and recharge centers

• Support financial stewardship and effective resource allocation across SET departments and research centers

Budget Development and Financial Planning (15%)

• Assist faculty and administrators with budget planning, personnel forecasting, carryforwards, rebudgeting, and financial problem-solving

• Work collaboratively with Payroll, Procurement, Research Administration, Sponsored Programs Accounting, and other campus partners

Faculty and Staff Support (5%)

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on research administration policies and procedures

• Support onboarding and training of new research personnel

• Provide guidance and consultation on grant-related financial matters

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Participate in special projects and other initiatives that support the mission of the School of Science, Engineering, and Technology

What Makes You Successful

We're looking for someone who combines strong financial and analytical skills with exceptional customer service and relationship-building abilities.

You are someone who:

• Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

• Can manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail

• Anticipates issues before they become problems

• Exercises sound judgment and professionalism

• Builds trust with faculty, staff, and colleagues

• Enjoys solving complex and sometimes ambiguous challenges

• Works independently while knowing when to seek guidance

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree

• 3–5 years of related professional experience

• Research administration experience in higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or research environments

• Knowledge of sponsored research policies and regulations, including Uniform Guidance, NIH policies, NSF guidelines, and other sponsor requirements

• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, MS, MA, JD, or PhD)

• Scientific or research background

• Experience supporting faculty researchers

• Experience with Workday or similar enterprise financial systems

• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills

The Impact You'll Have

This role supports approximately 80–100 faculty members across:

• Biology

• Biochemistry

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Mathematics

• Physics

• Psychology

• Computational Linguistics

• Engineering

• Neuroscience

• Quantitative Biology

• Rosenstiel Center

• Volen Center

Your expertise will help researchers focus on discovery while ensuring the responsible stewardship of university and sponsored funds.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position is expected to be up to $70,600, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Join Us

At Brandeis University, your work matters. If you're passionate about supporting research, partnering with faculty, and contributing to an institution committed to academic excellence and social impact, we encourage you to apply.

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").