Grant and Contract Lead

University of Oklahoma • Norman, OK

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Office of Research Services (ORS) at the University of Oklahoma as a Contract/Grant Admin Lead, where you will play a key role in supporting complex sponsored research activities. This position provides independent, high-level support across pre-award and non-financial post-award administration for grants and contracts, working closely with Principal Investigators, departmental administrators, and central research administration teams. In this role, you will lead the development, preparation, and submission of routine and complex proposals, ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements, and serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and departments on research administration processes. The position includes responsibilities such as interpreting sponsor solicitations, facilitating communication with sponsors, preparing documentation for negotiations and award acceptance, and ensuring the timely and accurate administration of sponsored projects. You may also act as a subject matter expert, mentor staff, and serve in a lead or supervisory capacity, including potential signatory authority for grants and awards. This role is based in a standard office work environment and requires strong analytical skills, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage a complex portfolio in a fast-paced research setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 48 months experience in sponsored program administration or related experience in an academic institution for higher education.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or CRA-eligible.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting complex sponsored research portfolios in a university, hospital, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and negotiate grant proposals, budgets, and contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university research policies.
• Experience collaborating directly with Principal Investigators and academic departments.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems and government submission platforms.
• Ability to interpret complex funding opportunity announcements (RFPs) and translate requirements for stakeholders.
• Proven strength in budget development and compliance-focused proposal review.
• Experience providing training, mentorship, or team leadership in research administration.
• Will accept 48 months of sponsored research experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree for a total of 96 months experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, preparation, and submission of routine and complex proposals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and departments on research administration processes.
• Interpret sponsor solicitations.
• Facilitate communication with sponsors.
• Prepare documentation for negotiations and award acceptance.
• Ensure the timely and accurate administration of sponsored projects.
• Act as a subject matter expert.
• Mentor staff.
• Serve in a lead or supervisory capacity, including potential signatory authority for grants and awards.

Benefits

• Commensurate with education and experience
• Benefits Eligible: Yes

What This Job Offers

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