Award Liaison (Two Open Positions)

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, AR

4d • $70,000 - $80,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Award Liaison works in the Campus Research Services unit of the Office of Research Administration within the Division of Research and Innovation at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. The position reports to the Lead Liaison and provides comprehensive financial management and oversight for faculty research portfolios within assigned academic units. It partners with faculty researchers to support stewardship of research funds through budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning, and serves as a liaison between faculty and central University administrative offices.

The role works with faculty and supporting staff to develop, maintain, and execute detailed financial projections for a diverse portfolio of research accounts funded by federal, non-federal, and internal sources. It prepares financial reports, conducts complex short- and long-term financial modeling, and manages budgets across primary and secondary portfolios. The Award Liaison proactively monitors expenditures, identifies variances and potential risks, and advises faculty on resource allocation strategies while ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and collegial working relationships are essential job duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• At least three years of experience in research administration.
• At least three years of progressively responsible research experience in a university, non-profit, research institution, or similar organization, culminating in proposal development, project management, and budget management.
• Experience in strategic planning, process improvement, and project management, including leading adoption of best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of financial and award management, including complex budget management, variance analysis, risk identification, and short- and long-term financial planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional research compliance requirements, with experience using Research.gov, Grants.gov, and similar sponsor systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize competing demands, manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Advanced skill in Microsoft and related software applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Adobe Acrobat, financial management systems, and similar tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating initiative, flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to operate autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and advise faculty and staff on financial management, grantsmanship, and research administration practices.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• At least five years of experience in research administration.
• At least five years of progressively responsible research experience within a university, non-profit, or research institution.
• Experience with sponsors such as DoE, DoD (AFSoR, Army, DTRA, DARPA), NIH, NSF, USDA, USGS, and non-federal organizations.
• Experience in departmental and/or College-level units supporting sponsored awards management, fund accounting, research administration, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and analysis across federal, non-federal, and internal funding sources.
• Experience with enterprise accounting and internal grant management systems, such as Workday and Streamlyne, or comparable platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive financial management and oversight for faculty research portfolios in assigned academic units.
• Partner with faculty researchers to support stewardship of research funds through budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning.
• Act as a liaison between faculty and central University administrative offices.
• Work with faculty and supporting staff to develop, maintain, and execute financial projections for research accounts funded by federal, non-federal, and internal sources.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports.
• Conduct complex short- and long-term financial modeling.
• Manage budgets across primary and secondary portfolios.
• Proactively monitor expenditures, identify variances and potential risks, and advise faculty on appropriate resource allocation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and collegial working relationships.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level