Grants & Contracts Administrator Cover Letter

I would like to submit my application for the grants & contracts administrator opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

Previously, I was responsible for overall management, guidance and coordination of contract and grant activities, including oversight management and control of grant staff as well as contract negotiation, reporting and monitoring of implementing agencies.

My experience is an excellent fit for the list of requirements in this job:

• Respect— We respect the contributions that each individual makes to ensure the success of our science
• Technical and computing expertise sufficient to independently utilize a variety of electronic or web-based systems
• Advanced knowledge of Excel formulas and functions, and proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite/Adobe
• Familiarity with relevant regulatory guidelines (IRB, IACUC, MUA)
• Knowledge of principles of accounting and contract administration/law
• Proficient in general computer skills, including word processing and spreadsheet software
• Federal grant, contract and subcontract administration experience preferred
• Office of Management and Budget regulations and compliance experience preferred

I submit this application to express my sincere interest in the grants & contracts administrator position.

In the previous role, I was responsible for guidance and advice to PIs, project coordinator and others regarding formatting style specifications, grant guidelines and procedures governing federal, state and private grant proposal submissions.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Proven experience processing large amounts of information, prioritizing work and managing deadlines
• Proven experience in establishing and managing grants and contracts procedures and systems across the “lifecycle” of sponsored programs in a higher education research environment or at a funding agency
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of key research administration topics and government requirements, including intellectual property, publication, export controls and budgeting/costing principles
• Experience with enterprise and sponsor research administration systems, including Grants.gov
• Strong oral, public speaking and written communications skills, including proven negotiation and training skills
• An entrepreneurial approach to developing and cultivating funding sources in collaboration with researchers and administrators
• A collegial, solutions-oriented style based on personal integrity, professional confidence, and excellent relationship management skills
• A deep appreciation of and respect for academic values and culture and an understanding of the critical role research plays in sustaining and broadening the intellectual rigor of an elite research university

I am excited to be applying for the position of grants & contracts administrator. Please accept this letter and the attached resume as my interest in this position.

In the previous role, I was responsible for acquisition support for pre-award and post-award contract actions, and the full range of contract administration support to procure and administer contracts.

Please consider my qualifications and experience:

• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat, use of databases
• Articulate and possess excellent analytical skills
• Expert customer service orientation, and a commitment to maintaining an excellent department reputation, and to acting in a professional manner with faculty and administrators from all levels
• Preference for experience with the use of Community of Science/Pivot funding opportunities and expertise databases, the National Science Foundation’s FastLane database, Grants.gov, or other federal government electronic systems
• NIH grant experience (submission and management)
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, EndNote, and Adobe
• Efficient planning, organizing, and prioritizing of work
• Skill in tailoring communications to specific audiences

I would like to submit my application for the grants & contracts administrator opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

Previously, I was responsible for grant assistance in the form of preparation and processing of grant applications for NIH and other funding agencies.

Please consider my experience and qualifications for this position:

• Experience navigating complex internal systems and departments
• Excellent computer skills, with an advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Prior experience in the conduct of clinical research and/or budget/proposal management experience preferred
• Familiarity of relevant regulatory guidelines such as IRB, IACUC, MUA
• Strong financial management skills including but not limited to budgeting and forecasting
• Self-motivated with strong analytical skills and extreme attention to detail, able to exercise independent judgement and make appropriate decisions
• Work and sustain attention with distractions and/or interruptions and work effectively under stressful circumstances, such as tight deadlines
• Experience working with international research

I would like to submit my application for the grants & contracts administrator opening. Please accept this letter and the attached resume.

Previously, I was responsible for accurate and appropriate guidance regarding interpretations of applicable contract, grant and cooperative agreement terms and conditions, as well as other administrative rules, cost principles and regulations under OMB guidelines.

My experience is an excellent fit for the list of requirements in this job:

• Empathy for researchers and the research mission
• A track record of successfully managing and mentoring experienced and junior staff
• A participatory management style that models the values of client service, initiative, and collaboration
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of key research administration topics and government requirements, including intellectual property, publication and budgeting/costing principles
• Strong oral, public speaking and written communications skills, including proven negotiation skills
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to developing and cultivating funding sources in collaboration with researchers and administrators
• A collegial, problem-solving style based on personal integrity, professional confidence, and excellent relationship management skills
• A track record of successfully managing and mentoring staff