Job Description

Join Our Team!

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Department of Immunology are seeking a Lead Grants & Contracts Administrator to oversee the full lifecycle of grants, contracts, and subcontracts-from application to closeout. This role partners closely with faculty, principal investigators, and administrative staff to ensure compliant, timely submissions while managing expenditures in line with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in both pre- and post-award administration, thrive in a fast-paced academic research environment, and demonstrate leadership in developing policies, guiding best practices, and training staff. This position also coordinates special projects, requiring close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders while upholding the highest standards of confidentiality and integrity.

St. Jude is a top-ranked research hospital and NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center focused exclusively on children, bringing together over 300 faculty across scientific disciplines-including a Nobel laureate and members of the National Academies-to advance new treatments for pediatric cancer and life-threatening childhood diseases. Recognized as a "Best Workplace" by Fortune and Glassdoor, St. Jude combines innovation, stability, and an annual budget exceeding $2 billion.

What You'll Do

• Lead operations and resources related to the administration of grants, contracts, and sponsored programs.
  
• Review and manage proposal submissions, budgets, subawards, and the award lifecycle.
  
• Support PIs and research groups in proposal development, reporting requirements, and compliance.
  
• Develop, revise, and finalize budgets with detailed justifications.
  
• Proactively coordinate monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  
• Monitor awards for progress, fiscal allowability, and project changes.
  
• Drive process improvement by developing and implementing SOPs, policies, and systems for efficiency.
  
• Mentor and guide team members by providing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.
  
• Contribute to departmental and institutional priorities through additional projects as assigned.
  

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree required.
  
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in grants/contracts administration, financial management, or related roles.
  
• Demonstrated expertise in both pre- and post-award administration.
  
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Experience working collaboratively with faculty, cross-functional teams, and external partners.
  
• Leadership or mentoring experience is a plus.
  
• Proven record of success in navigating complex federal and institutional regulations.
  

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven culture where your work directly impacts groundbreaking science and clinical advances.
  
• Access competitive compensation, excellent benefits, and professional development opportunities.
  
• Collaborate in a supportive environment that values innovation and diverse perspectives.
  

About Memphis

St. Jude is based in Memphis, Tennessee-a city known for its rich cultural heritage, affordable cost of living, and vibrant lifestyle.

• Nature: Explore the Mississippi River or the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country.
  
• Culture: Experience world-famous music history and vibrant arts, from Elvis Presley's Graceland to live blues on Beale Street.
  
• Affordability: Memphis consistently ranks among the most affordable U.S. cities, allowing your income to stretch further.
  

Join us and help advance groundbreaking discoveries in the Department of Immunology, home to world leaders in innate and adaptive immunity and collaborators driving the future of pediatric immuno-oncology.

Compensation
In recognition of certain U.S. state and municipal pay transparency laws, St. Jude is including a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This is an estimate offered in good faith and a specific salary offer takes into account factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the salary range and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current salary range is $78,000 - $139,360 per year for the role of Lead-Grants & Contracts Administrator- Immunology.

Explore our exceptional benefits !

St. Jude is an Equal Opportunity Employer

No Search Firms

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. Please do not call or email. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee or other representative at St. Jude via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place and approved by HR will result in no fee being paid in the event the candidate is hired by St. Jude.

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time,

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