About the position
Under the direction of the Assistant Director for the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM), the Senior Administrator reviews, negotiates, and finalizes for acceptance by the Authorized Representative, grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements for research, instruction, and other public service funding received by the University from international, federal, state, and local government sponsors as well as private for-profit and not-for-profit sponsors, including business, industry, associations, and foundations. The Senior Administrator reviews, negotiates, and recommends approval of contracts, cooperative agreements, and subcontracts for sponsored research and other activities. This position provides administrative oversight of sponsored projects to minimize the University's compliance risk related to sponsored activities. They keep abreast of new developments in federal regulations, policies, and procedures in order to serve as an up-to-date source of information and guidance for the research community. Additionally, the Senior Research Administrator approves, accepts, and uploads unilateral grants into the financial system for research, instruction, and other public service funding received by the University.
Responsibilities
- Conduct a thorough review and assessment of grant/contract terms and conditions, as well as applicable sponsor policies and pertinent laws and regulations.
- Prepare formal recommendation of acceptance/approval for signature by a University Authorized Representative.
- Negotiate award terms and conditions directly with the sponsoring agency representative or legal counsel.
- Ensure compliance approvals have been obtained by appropriate University regulatory committees prior to the release of award.
- Review and recommend pre-award requests for advance spending.
- Coordinate award set-up efforts to ensure timely processing of awards.
- Advise faculty and research administration staff regarding obligations, risks, and financial liabilities incurred as a result of award terms.
- Finalize awards, draft and negotiate subcontract agreements.
- Represent OPAM as a research contracting expert on various working groups and committees.
- Participate in the development and delivery of workshops, trainings, and web resources related to post-award topics.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree plus three (3) years of experience in a business or administrative setting dealing with proposal/award review and administration.
- Previous experience in an institution of higher education.
- Extensive knowledge of compliance issues and federal regulations such as The Uniform Guidance 2, CFR 200, A-133 or Single Audit, and Cost Accounting Standards.
- Previous experience directly negotiating contracts and/or grants.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to exercise diplomacy and establish effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated experience with various computer systems and online submission portals.
- Successful contract negotiation experience.
- Certified Research Administration certification (or obtained within 2 years).
- Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FARS), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFARS), and Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEARS).
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
