Senior Sponsored Program Officer

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Job Title:

Senior Sponsored Program Officer

Department:

ERIK | Office of Sponsored Programs Administration

Position Overview

The Senior Sponsored Program Officer (SPO) is an experienced professional position that provides institutional authority, central administrative oversight, and content expertise to faculty principal investigators (PIs) and department/college administrators on pre-and post-award management of externally funded grants and contracts from federal, for-profit, non-profit, and local agency sponsors.

This position is on the Health Sciences team and will be responsible for independently negotiating non-industry and industry flow through clinical trial agreements specific to this team.  

The core responsibilities for this position include:

• Leading complex research administration activities for a diverse portfolio of faculty and research units, independently managing high-impact proposals from development through submission.

• Serving as an institutional authority for proposal approvals, sponsor submissions, and contract negotiations, including complex federal, international, and non-standard research agreements.

• Providing expert guidance on research compliance and regulations, interpreting sponsor requirements, university policy, federal and state laws, and industry best practices for researchers and university leaders.

• Partnering with principal investigators, colleges, and administrative leaders to support successful funding pursuits while safeguarding institutional interests and ensuring regulatory compliance.

• Mentoring and developing research administration professionals, providing coaching, training, and knowledge-sharing to build expertise across the team.

• Leading outreach and education initiatives for the research community, delivering training on electronic research systems, proposal development processes, and sponsored program best practices.

Skills and Competencies for Success

• Ability to manage multiple, shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

• Ability to write and interpret award/contract language.

• Analyze complex situations and decide appropriate steps for resolution and follow-thru.

• Excellent time management, follow-through, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience with public speaking and training others.

• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to all stakeholders.

• Ability to mentor and advise new and junior staff and take an active role in their training and provide guidance in solving complex problems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic research tools and systems.

• Four (4) years of experience in a professional business capacity working in information management, compliance with policies and procedures, procurement, accounting, and/or financial management.

• At least two of the four years must include direct research administration experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in central research administration in a universit