Sr. Sponsored Programs Officer

Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number
S4064P

Home Org Name
Sponsored Programs

Division Name
VP for Research and Economic Dev

Position Title
Sr. Sponsored Programs Officer

Job Class Code
HC28

Appointment Status
Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term
No

Limited Term Length

Job Summary

Auburn University’s Office for the Sr. Vice President of Research and Economic Development is accepting applications for the position of Sr. Sponsored Programs Officer . This new position within OSP involves leading a team of Sponsored Programs Officers and overseeing a broad spectrum of administrative activities related to sponsored programs. These activities support extramurally funded research, instruction, outreach, and extension efforts across Auburn University, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to play an integral role in the development and growth of this position. These responsibilities include contract and grant terms review, approval & negotiation, proposal development, review & submission, contract and grant management, contracts and grants funded equipment management, and providing regulatory, policy, and procedural guidance related to such activities. These responsibilities require frequent communication and engagement with stakeholders across campus and with federal, state, industry, nonprofit and other sponsoring entities. Individuals serving in this role will also be responsible for the scheduled and ad hoc training of Sponsored Programs staff, in conjunction with office leadership.

Auburn University is more than just an institution; it’s a vibrant community where real people come together to make a difference. Our commitment to students, employees, communities, and our world runs deep, and it’s reflected in every corner of our campus and beyond.

Life-Changing Impact : At Auburn, our work changes lives. Whether it’s groundbreaking research, innovative teaching, administrative operations or community outreach, every effort contributes to positive change. We’re not just clocking in; we’re making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

How We Support You : Auburn cares for its greatest assets—its employees. Generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a supportive work environment make it a place where you can thrive. From health insurance to retirement plans, we’ve got you covered. Learn more about how we support employees by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn

Come and Stay : The median length of employment for an Auburn employee is 10 years . That’s because Auburn invests in its people. We’re not a revolving door; we’re a family. The Auburn Family. We grow together, learn together, and build lasting relationships.

Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area exudes small-town charm and warmth. With cozy traditions, excellent schools, and vibrant downtown, it’s a place where you’ll feel at home. Plus, we’re centrally located in the Southeast with easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community : Our community thrives on diversity. We celebrate different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. When you work at Auburn, you’re part of a rich tapestry of individuals who bring their authentic selves and unique perspectives to the table.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates, advises and supports faculty and staff on extramural proposals for research, instruction, outreach and extension activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, University, and sponsor rules and regulations and maintains authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University, as needed.

• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates highly complex contracts, amendments, documents, and instruments of a legal character for the Office of Sponsored Programs. This includes, but is not limited to, fixed price and cost reimbursable sponsored research agreements, master agreements, task orders, memoranda of understanding, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, and other contracts associated with externally funded research, instruction, outreach and extension activities.

• Evaluates, interprets, negotiates and applies federal, sponsor, and University policy and regulations to determine acceptable conditions of awards including such areas as: conflict of interest, export control, intellectual property, indemnity, governing law, cost principles, data and information security requirements, human subjects, animal subjects and lab safety while referring relevant matters to the appropriate University office and/or personnel (i.e., General Counsel, The Office of Research Compliance, the Office of Research Security Compliance, The Intellectual Property Exchange, the Office of Risk Management, the Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy, the Office of International Programs, and Contracts and Grants Accounting).

• Manages and facilitates for a specific team within OSP award change requests including re-budgeting, pre-award costs, carryover of unobligated balances, and no-cost-extensions and assists with the acquisition, management, and reporting for sponsor funded equipment and materials while maintaining records and titles through the lifecycle of a sponsored award.

• Provides regulatory guidance to faculty, administrative units, and staff ensuring compliance with and adherence to relevant laws and regulations governing sponsored research while building trust and providing efficient and effective service to diverse constituents both internally and externally.

• Maintains proficiency in interpreting and applying federal regulations governing sponsored programs including 2 CFR 200, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, standard federal research terms and conditions, and other agency-specific requirements. Remains current with developments in university-sponsored contracting and research administration through participation in professional development activities such as attendance at professional meetings and in-house webinars and other informational sessions.

• Assists with development, review, and maintenance of policies, procedures, tools, and resources based on changing regulatory environment.

• Delivers scheduled and ad hoc training for staff within the Office of Sponsored Programs. Trains incoming staff on matters originating within a specific team, including training on contract review and negotiation and proposal and solicitation review and preparation. Reviews and updates training materials in concert with developments in the field and feedback from the Associate Director. Provides direct supervision for the workload, development, and training of the Sponsored Programs Officers under the assigned academic units.

• Exercises signature authority for non-financial matters as delegated by the SVP, Research & Economic Development.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM ; Business Administration; Public Administration; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Management; Law; Social Sciences; or a directly related and relevant degree/major from an accredited institution.

• 8 years’ experience in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, research management, legal, or related field.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication skills and reading comprehension.

• Ability to succeed in a high-volume, high-pressure, fast-paced environment to manage and prioritize a large task list with deadlines, interruptions, and competing priorities.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Demonstrated time management, critical thinking, organizational and customer service skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to complete tasks independently as contributions to a team effort.

• Demonstrated self-discipline and sound independent judgment completing time-sensitive assignments.

• Advanced knowledge of relevant university, state and federal laws and regulations.

• Advanced knowledge of research administration in a university setting.

• Advanced knowledge of electronic systems for proposal submission and award and grant management.

Minimum Technology Skills

Minimum License and Certifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Experience in a higher education environment, particularly interpreting laws and regulations.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range
$69,400-$124,900

Job Category
Other

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

City position is located in:
Auburn

State position is located:
Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Posting Date
11/04/2024

Closing Date

EEO Statement

AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER . It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. The Office of Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/ EEO ) strives to ensure an inclusive and equitable working, living, and learning environment for members of the Auburn University community. Please visit their website to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

provide 3 references

Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/49602
Documents Needed to Apply
Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional DocumentsSupplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Please select how you first became aware of this opportunity. Your response helps us determine how we can more effectively reach our candidates.
   • LinkedIn
   • AcademicKeys
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • DiversityJobs
   • HigherEdJobs
   • HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • Indeed
   • RecruitMilitary
   • The Tuskegee News
   • Professional organization or journal
   • Veterans Assistance Services
   • Disability Assistance Services
   • State Employment Service
   • Social Media
   • AU Job Bulletin
   • Notified by an Auburn employee
   • College or university Career Services
   • I went to the AU Employment Website directly (www.auemployment.com)
   • Other
2. * Please select the answer that best describes your current employment relationship with Auburn University:
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee within probationary period
   • Current full-time Auburn or AUM employee outside of probationary period
   • Current part-time Auburn or AUM employee
   • Not an Auburn or AUM employee
3. * Do you have a Bachelor's degree in STEM; Business Administration; Public Administration; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Management; Law; Social Sciences; or a directly related and relevant degree/major from an accredited institution?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Do you have 8 years of experience in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, research management, legal, or related field?
   • Yes
   • No