Lead Sponsored Programs Administrator

Space Telescope Science Institute • Baltimore, MD

1d • $110,000 - $125,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world. Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. We are hiring a Lead Administrator, Sponsored Programs Administrator, to join our Sponsored Programs Office department. This position performs full lifecycle sponsored programs administration for a portfolio of awards, including proposal development, subaward management, post-award administration, and closeout. This role serves as a senior individual contributor, applying advanced knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies while supporting Principal Investigators and stakeholders on complex financial and regulatory matters. The position provides advanced technical expertise, guidance, and support to colleagues and institutional stakeholders but does not include direct supervisory responsibilities. This position can support hybrid work (including number of onsite required days). Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV). This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs or research administration, preferably including federal grants.
• Seven (7) or more years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly with complex awards and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in full lifecycle sponsored programs administration, including proposal development, award management, and closeout.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and sponsor-specific terms and conditions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and identify risks or trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex regulatory and financial information clearly.
• High attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in compliance-driven environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of awards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with PIs, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200) in a practical, operational context.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, training, and knowledge-sharing to colleagues.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Seven (7) or more years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly with complex awards and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform full lifecycle sponsored programs administration for assigned awards, from proposal through closeout.
• Prepare proposal budgets and support proposal development, including coordination with Principal Investigators (PIs) and compliance review.
• Review award documents for accuracy and compliance; analyze terms and conditions and support negotiation and acceptance activities.
• Coordinate post-award activities, including award modifications, prior approvals, and sponsor communications.
• Track reporting requirements and support timely preparation and submission in accordance with sponsor guidelines.
• Monitor financial activity to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and compliant with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Analyze financial reports, identify trends, and communicate award status and projections to PIs.
• Coordinate subaward processes, including documentation review, risk assessment support, and monitoring activities.
• Serve as a subject matter resource on sponsored programs regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Provide guidance and informal training to colleagues on processes, tools, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and escalate potential compliance issues and support audit and review activities as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of systems and tools used in sponsored programs administration.

Benefits

• excellent and generous benefits package
• tuition reimbursement
• flexible work schedules
• stimulating and diverse work environment

What This Job Offers

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