Senior Sponsored Programs Officer

East Carolina University, United States

Updated: 22 days ago
Location: Greenville, SOUTH CAROLINA
Deadline: 05 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Position Information


Job Title Senior Sponsored Programs Officer
Position Number 500023
Vacancy Open to All Candidates
Department AAH REDE Office of Research Admin
Department Homepage https://rede.ecu.edu/ora/
Advertising Department RESEARCH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT
Division Academic Affairs
Classification Title Program Officer
Working Title Senior Sponsored Programs Officer
Number of Vacancies 1
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) 1.0
Full Time or Part Time Full Time
Recruitment Range $59,452 - $90,000
Position Location (City) Greenville
Position Type Non-Faculty
Job Category Non-Faculty Staff Professional
Organizational Unit Overview
The Office of Research, Economic Development and Engagement (REDE) is charged with leading research, economic development, and community engagement for East Carolina University. REDE is responsible for research integrity and compliance, administration, and development activities to grow extramurally sponsored activities across ECU. In addition, REDE leads technology transfer, innovation, economic and community engagement initiatives including partnerships with public sector agencies, industry, military, and other organizations. The following offices are part of REDE: Research Administration and Compliance, Engaged Research, Research Development, Continuing and Professional Education, Postdoctoral Affairs, Undergraduate Research, Research and Innovation Campus Development, Licensing and Commercialization, National Security and Industry Initiatives, Research Integrity and Compliance, Compliance Monitoring, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the University and Medical Center Institutional Review Board, and the Small Business and Technology Development Center.
Job Duties
The Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides centralized pre- and post-award services for sponsored projects at East Carolina University. The proposal services unit within ORA supports college-level research administrators and indirectly assists faculty, staff, and students in applying for external funding that supports research, instructional activities, and service programs to address the mission of the institution. Sponsored Programs Officers (SPOs) within ORA are tasked with advising campus research administrators and project personnel (including principal investigators, associate deans for research, and other research team members) individuals from all disciplines in: developing relationships with sponsors to assure submission of compliant, effective, fundable proposals with viable budgets; exercising the authority of the Chancellor, under delegation to REDE, to approve and submit all proposals to external sponsors; conducting, facilitating, managing, and documenting official communication with external funding entities during the post-proposal submission phase prior to award/agreement issuance; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting externally sponsored agreements; creating, reviewing, and negotiating outgoing subaward agreements and amendments; and assisting or advising project teams on non-financial aspects of award management.
The Senior Sponsored Programs Officer (SSPO) will lead the team of SPOs. Using professional competence, outstanding customer service, and team management and interpersonal skills, the SSPO will engage with campus stakeholders and external sponsors to ensure full consideration of investigator and University interests. The SSPO will be a resource for advanced and complex questions related to proposal submission and award negotiation/acceptance, analysis and improvement of work processes and technologies, and represent ECU to outside entities. The SSPO will work with the ORA Director to support ongoing electronic Research Administration (eRA) implementation and maintenance processes. In consultation with the ORA Director, the SSPO helps develop, recommend, and/or implement policies and procedures for the administration of contracts and grants, including the submission of applications, acceptance of awards, and non-financial post-award activities.
35%
Education and Training

  • Facilitate investigation and resolution of issues that risk the university’s successful competition for and administration of sponsored projects.
  • Ensure internal operations are effective and efficient.
  • Support the ORA Director in development and implementation of continual process improvements to maintain productivity, including the review, development and/or updating policies, regulations, and rules as well as standard operating procedures and other kinds of informational tools to include graphics, websites, and flowcharts and other resources.
  • Serve as one of the primary resources to the Pre-Award Services team regarding the eRA management system using input from and collaboration with internal and external sources.


25%
Supervision
  • Assist in the management of day-to-day pre-award functions in the areas of proposal review and submission, award negotiation and acceptance, and award set-up.
  • Provide effective supervision of assigned staff including position description development/management, mentoring/supervising, and corrective action when necessary; ensuring appropriate training and professional development; workload assignment; performance planning and appraisal.
  • Recommend personnel actions to the Director and provide supporting documentation for such actions as required by Human Resources

25%
Expertise and Communications

  • Maintain subject matter expertise in pre-award research administration as well as a broad understanding of post award and contracting regulations to guide proposal development appropriately.
  • Stay abreast of current federal regulations and pending revisions, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, cost accounting standards, North Carolina laws, and University of North Carolina System policies and reporting requirements to ensure continued compliance.
  • Promote and maintain close, effective working relationships between ORA, internal campus stakeholders, and external collaborators and funding sponsors.
  • In collaboration with the Director, communicate key changes to sponsor policies and procedures to ORA teams and the campus research administration community.

10%
Manage Assigned Sponsored Projects Portfolio
The SSPO will manage a limited sponsored project portfolio, providing pre-award review and submission support, facilitating official responses to external stakeholders during the post-submission phase, and engaging in award negotiation and acceptance on behalf of the investigator and the University.
5%
Miscellaneous
Perform special projects, delegated managerial tasks, and other duties assigned by the Director as well as serving as a back-up for the other Pre-Award team members in their absence.
This position may be eligible for Flexible Work Arrangements (FWA) under the East Carolina University (ECU) FWA Policy.
Contingent upon availability of funds.
Minimum Education/Experience
  • Relevant post-baccalaureate degree required with 3 years of progressively responsible experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable experience and professional-level background in research administration, will accept a relevant undergraduate degree and 6 or more years of progressively responsible experience in substitution. Progressively responsible experience must be in Pre-Award management and/or administration of externally sponsored activity, including experience in contract negotiation for various types of sponsored programs agreements.
  • At least one year of supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of key compliance requirements as contained in 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
  • Knowledge of priorities, procedures, and the policies of key funding agencies such as NIH, NSF, NASA, DOE, and DOD.
  • Familiarity with other funding sources such as foundations and industry
License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation
None
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education
Demonstrated understanding of best practices in university research administration
- Substantial knowledge of federal agency regulations, funding programs, application requirements, and form sets
- In-depth understanding of Uniform Administrative Requirements (2 CFR 200), including cost principles
- Knowledge of sponsored project related regulatory compliance requirements, including research ethics, export control, data security and access, etc.
- Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
- Working knowledge of general accounting principles and audit requirements for federal awards
- Understanding of legal terms and conditions that typically appear in sponsored project agreements that may require negotiation
- Demonstrated experience in proposal preparation for a variety of governmental and non-profit sponsors; use of electronic proposal submission and award management systems; use/management of internal proposal/award tracking systems; and training development and delivery
- Able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment while remaining service oriented
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Adobe Pro and with grants.gov and federal agency and non-federal electronic proposal submission and award management systems
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) credential from the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC), or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire
Special Instructions to Applicant
East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.
2-3 original letters of reference are required for employment. Please be aware that if selected as a candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References section in the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Additional Instructions to Applicant
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.
Job Open Date 02/19/2024
Open Until Filled No
Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date. If no closing date is indicated, the position may close at any time after the initial screening date. 04/05/2024
Initial Screening Begins 03/08/2024
Rank Level
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/68857
AA/EOE
East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer and seeks to create an environment that fosters the recruitment and retention of a more diverse student body, faculty, staff and administration. We encourage qualified applicants from women, minorities, veterans, individuals with a disability, and historically underrepresented groups. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department of Human Resources at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA[email protected] .
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to [email protected]. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.

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