Manager of Grants and Contracts - BRIDGES Engine

Job Description

Job Description

Manager of Grants and Contracts, BRIDGES EnginePower Innovation Through Strategic Funding & ComplianceLocation: Huntsville, AlabamaEmployment Type: Full-time | ExemptThe OpportunityEvery breakthrough innovation needs expert stewardship. As Manager, Grants and Contracts for the BRIDGES NSF Engine, you'll be the operational backbone of one of the most ambitious regional innovation initiatives in America, ensuring that federal funding flows smoothly, compliance is flawless, and every dollar drives measurable impact toward a sustainable bio-based economy.This isn't just grant management. You'll be a strategic problem-solver and trusted partner to researchers, industry collaborators, and federal sponsors, often translating complex regulations into clear action, solving multifaceted challenges, and ensuring that the administrative excellence behind groundbreaking discoveries never goes unnoticed. You'll work at the intersection of compliance, finance, and innovation, making it possible for visionary leaders and researchers to focus on what they do best.The position is shared with HudsonAlpha's Research Administration and Development (RAD) Team and requires the use of existing grants management systems and processes to ensure compliance. Based on funding for this role, some non-BRIDGES grant administration will be assigned. What You'll DoGrant Lifecycle ManagementAssist in the development and execution of funding strategies supporting BRIDGES and related large-scale research initiativesCoordinate with partners across academia, industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to strengthen proposalsReview funding opportunities for eligibility and administrative requirementsCommunicate with funding agencies to clarify requirements and ensure proper proposal submissionDevelop, review, and finalize budgets with accuracy and attention to detailCoordinate, assemble, and submit complete grant proposals on time and in full compliance with sponsor requirementsCommunicate with subaward institutions to collect required documents and ensure timely submissionsFinancial Oversight & ComplianceManage timelines, approvals, and submission of grant proposals, reports, and prior approval requests across multiple stakeholdersOversee award setup, financial tracking, reporting, and closeout processesEnsure timely and accurate processing of payments and financial transactionsReview and approve subawardee invoices for compliance and alignment with budgetsNegotiate and manage contracts, subawards, and partnership agreements that protect institutional interestsMonitor grant activity to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and sponsor regulations, including NSF, OMB, and grant-specific requirementsMaintain accurate metrics, records, and archives on research and funding activity to enable assessment of program growth and impactAward Administration & Stakeholder SupportServe as the primary point of contact and daily manager for assigned grants and sponsored projectsProvide award information to principal investigators and relevant staff and departmentsManage award modifications, including prior approvals, carryover requests, rebudgeting, and changes in scopeEnsure all requests are done in compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policiesCoordinate and submit requests for award changes; ensure all requests are compliant with sponsor guidelinesAssist researchers with non-financial report submissions as necessaryInteract regularly with and provide high-quality customer service to faculty, researchers, and external collaboratorsSupport effective project closeout and transfer processesCoordinates with HudsonAlpha Accounting to set up awards in the financial systemCompliance Leadership & Professional DevelopmentDemonstrate proficiency and knowledge of applicable grant regulations (NSF, DOE, USDA, OMB, etc.)Monitor compliance and regulation oversight for awards and recommend or implement corrective actionsIn coordination with the Compliance Office, monitor training requirements and ensure award personnel compliance with grant regulationsCommunicate sponsor requirements and federal training obligations to PIs, administrative staff, and leadershipAttend meetings of professional research administrators and maintain a working knowledge of current HudsonAlpha and federal guidelinesStay informed of federal application and award guidelines, trends, and requirementsContribute to the development and revision of templates, guidelines, and research-related processes About YouExperience & Education:Bachelor's degree requiredMinimum 5 years of hands-on experience in pre- and post-award grants administrationSignificant experience with federal grant programs and multi-institutional awardsProven track record in submitting and administering awards from NSF, USDA, DOE, and private foundationsAbility to operate effectively in complex, highly regulated, multi-partner environmentsCollaborative mindset with the ability to unify diverse stakeholders toward shared goalsEssential Skills & Competencies:Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and time-management abilitiesAdvanced knowledge of sponsor rules, formats, guidelines, compliance requirements, and federal regulationsProficiency with electronic research administration systems (Grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Research.gov, etc.)Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel (including budget formulas and data management), and Mac OS platformsOutstanding problem-solving and critical-thinking abilitiesProven leadership and communication skills, both verbal and writtenAbility to effectively balance competing priorities in a deadline-driven environmentSelf-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work both independently and collaborativelyTact, diplomacy, and professionalism in interactions with researchers, sponsors, and regulatory agenciesAbility to work with confidential data and demonstrated discretion in all interactionsHigh business acumen and continuous improvement mindset Why BRIDGES Engine? Why HudsonAlpha?HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a leading nonprofit research institute leveraging genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Our 150-acre Huntsville campus, located in one of the world's premier science and technology communities, unites world-class scientists, educators, and 45+ innovative life science companies in a collaborative ecosystem where discovery becomes impact.With U.S. National Science Foundation Engine funding, BRIDGES represents the next frontier: a bold initiative to build a sustainable biobased economy that transforms rural communities and opens entirely new markets and industries.This isn't incremental change, it's ecosystem-building at scale. You'll work alongside visionary leaders, innovative companies, and passionate researchers united by a common mission: to prove that biotechnology can drive prosperity, sustainability, and opportunity for entire regions. Physical & Work EnvironmentDynamic office setting with frequent engagement in meetings and collaborative workTravel for conferences, stakeholder convenings, and occasional federal agency interactionsFlexible hours accommodating early mornings, evenings, and deadline-driven schedulesAbility to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (approximately 50% of the time)Prolonged and irregular working hours reflecting the demands of a high-impact, dynamic initiative Join UsHelp ensure the administrative excellence that powers transformative science. Master complexity. Enable innovation. Drive impact.Apply now and become part of the BRIDGES Engine movement. This combined version emphasizes the strategic importance of grants administration while showcasing the exciting opportunity to fuel a region-changing initiative-positioned as a manager role with significant responsibility and impact!