Grants Program Manager

Company Description

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Job Description

Notre Dame Research Administration and Compliance is growing, and we’re looking for talented, mission-driven professionals to join our team as a Grants Program Manager. Our Grants Program Managers supports Notre Dame’s world-class faculty, researchers, and research administrators across a variety of disciplines. If you’re a thoughtful problem solver who enjoys partnering with others to advance groundbreaking research, we’d love to connect with you.

GPMs play a key role throughout the research lifecycle, supporting program activities by:

• Monitoring and maintaining award funds and accounts.
• Providing budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight services.
• Reviewing expenditures for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness.
• Communicating grant terms and conditions to project teams with a focus on compliance.
• Navigating multiple research administration systems and providing guidance to faculty and staff.
• Anticipating and proactively addressing the needs of researchers.
• Delivering excellent customer service and confidently managing high-stakes conversations around policy, compliance, and regulations.

The ability to work independently with minimal oversight, while also collaborating as part of a wider team, is essential to success. GPMs are expected to bring strong organizational, time management, and communication skills to balance competing priorities and deadlines with efficiency and professionalism.

Notre Dame Research fully embraces the University’s coaching culture, fostering regular, open, two-way feedback and development conversations between employees and supervisors. We welcome applicants at varying stages of their careers, from early-career professionals to experienced research administrators. Titles and levels will be determined based on education, experience, and demonstrated expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• 3+ years of professional work experience, with demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal and non-federal regulations to sponsored projects.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and apply complex policies and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in research administration systems and comfort guiding others in their use.
• Strong organizational, time, and project management skills; ability to perform under pressure with confidence.
• Ability to provide mentorship to junior colleagues (senior-level).

Preferred Qualifications (for senior-level candidates):

• 3+ experience in higher education grants management, with strong knowledge of eRA systems, sponsor systems, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Experience mentoring or training junior staff.
• Graduate-level coursework in financial accounting or related areas.

Additional Information

To be considered for this role, please include a cover letter and resume. Applications due by October 3, 2026.

Compensation Range: $70,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience.

Work Environment: Position may be based on Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend, Indiana, or may be structured as a remote role, depending on the needs of the candidate. 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.