Sponsored Programs Officer - 2270

Established in 1887 as a school for the education of American Indians, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke serves a distinctly diverse student body and encourages inclusion and appreciation of the values of all people. Located in the heart of Pembroke, N.C., UNCP boasts an enrollment of 8,200 in 41 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs and offers a personalized learning environment where faculty and staff are dedicated to engaged scholarship, high academic standards, creative activity and public service. Spread over 281 acres, the campus offers a sense of community and belonging-–a place where faculty and staff feel supported, take pride in the university’s mission, and are devoted to excellence in teaching, learning and research, and to developing leaders who make a difference in their communities.

We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and transferable skills.

The Sponsored Projects Officer (SPO) is responsible for supporting campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in a fast-paced, high volume team environment for the administrative, financial, and compliance aspects of sponsored awards on behalf of UNCP.

The work performed by the Sponsored Projects Officer (SPO) requires an understanding of the types of awards mechanisms used by funding agencies, the processes for sponsored projects (contracts and grants) administration, as well as the terms and conditions of each award. This knowledge is necessary in order to communicate rules, regulations, and procedures, faculty members, staff, UNCP administration, and other stakeholders.

The SPO will assist faculty with the administration of extramural or sponsored awards projects while following University policies pertaining to administration and institutional compliance of these awards. The SPO is expected to actively participate in the post-award administration of extramural or sponsored awards and to establish a positive environment for the administration of institutional awards.

Duties include budget review for allowability and financial compliance with all sponsor specific requirements; non-financial post-award support to investigators including: facilitating the financial setup of incoming awards, review of scopes of work for compliance considerations, and administration of incoming grants, contracts, and subcontracts. Assisting with subcontract set-up, supporting faculty with submitting progress reports, requesting extensions. These tasks require working closely with the faculty, departments, grants accountant and administration and with the throughout the life of the award.

This position will perform post-award tasks with accuracy to ensure compliance with the prime award terms and conditions, UNCP policies and procedures, and federal regulations. Errors resulting from failure to exercise required accuracy could have a negative financial impact on the University, including audit disallowances and impact on future awards. Post-award responsibilities also include review of COI policy implications, human (IRB) and animal subjects (IACUC) documentation, export control, and other compliance considerations.

Minimum Training and Experience Requirements:  

• Master’s Degree or bachelor’s degree with 2-3 years related experience.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Excellent editing skills and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply complicated rules, regulations, and policies
• Ability to work with personnel from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to learn quickly. Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Skills:

• Work with Principal Investigators/Project Directors, Administration, and sponsors to provide excellent customer service and resolve complex issues related to sponsored projects.
• Knowledge of regulations relating to federal grants and award administration, including OMB Uniform Guidance, FAR, and other sponsor agency policies and regulations to maintain compliance with terms and conditions of the award.
• Knowledge of accounting standards and experience performing financial analysis
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook) or comparable computer applications.
• Knowledge of databases and electronic tools related to research administration, e.g.- Cayuse SP.

Special Instructions to Applicants:  This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.