Working Title: Grant Administrator - College of Science and Mathematics

State Role Title: Administrative and Office Specialist III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Science and Mathematics

Department: 539200 - Science & Math IDC

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $39,000 - $42,000

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 1/5/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) at James Madison University (JMU) is accepting applications for the role of Grant Administrator. This position will serve the overall mission of JMU and the CSM by providing support to faculty and student research programs within the department of Biology (BIO) and support for Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC), Physics and Astronomy (P&A), Geology and Environmental Science (GES), and Math and Statistics (M&S). The Grant Administrator will be responsible for purchasing and travel functions for grants awarded by the Office of Sponsored Programs to CSM Principal Investigators (PIs), while adhering to State and Agency rules, regulations, and guidelines.

The mission of the CSM is to establish a culture of “discovery practice,” in which students develop their knowledge, skills and habits by participating in science and mathematics practice. We place undergraduate student learning at the center of a rigorous research-based environment. Within the departments of BIO, CBC, P&A, GES, and M&S, we have over 30 active research grants, with over 100 faculty members and their student researchers. The Grant Administrator will be important to the success of these programs. This full-time position is potentially telework eligible for up to two days per week. This is a position funded by University grant proceeds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Aid principal investigators (PIs) with the business aspects of the grants they have received including purchases, travel, and other expenditures.

Collaborate with relevant CSM departments, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other JMU administrative units to successfully manage research award grants and project budgets.

Perform monthly account reconciliations and communicate status to PIs.

Oversee vendor payments, purchase orders, corporate card purchases.

Process travel for faculty and students related to research activities.

Assist with the preparation of budgets, budget justifications, and revisions.

Ensure compliance with state, federal, and other sponsor requirements for documentation and record retention.

Perform account oversight and financial management activities: resolving fiscal variances, cost transfers, post-award modifications, reconciling invoices, and completing account closeouts.

Provide technical and administrative assistance to faculty, while working across units as necessary.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Excel.
Demonstrated organizational skills, along with the ability to work under pressure, efficiently prioritize, meet deadlines, and process high volumes of requests.
The ability to interact professionally and respectfully with faculty, staff, and students and negotiate successful resolutions to various situations while demonstrating excellent customer service.
The ability to work collaboratively in a team unit as well as possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Show thoughtful and appropriate oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to change.

Additional Considerations:
Relevant experience in grants and contracts, finance, accounting, and/or direct fiscal management.
Experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Working knowledge or ability to quickly learn how to use JMU applications, such as PeopleSoft (Finance), Chrome River, eVA.
Experience with JMU or other Small Purchase Charge Card programs and procedures.
Knowledge of university and sponsored programs policies and procedures.
Experience in post-award research administration in higher education and/or research institution.
Some knowledge or interest in STEM related activities is a plus.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.