Post-Award Research Administrator I

The University of Southern Mississippi • Hattiesburg, MS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Post-Award Research Administrator I supports the financial and administrative management of externally funded sponsored projects within the central Office of Research Support and Development at an R1 university with approximately $100M in annual external funding. The position supports faculty and departmental research administrators with the lifecycle management of awards, from account setup through closeout, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). This position works collaboratively with faculty, departmental staff, and central staff to perform transactional and analytical functions which include but is not limited to expenditure review, financial monitoring, invoicing, reporting, budget management, and audit support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in financial analysis, accounting, compliance, or administrative support.
• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor regulations, including Title 2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200, to ensure compliance with the financial management of sponsored awards
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills to review financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure accuracy in financial reporting, invoicing, and expenditure review
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of sponsored projects
• Proficiency with financial and administrative systems, including PeopleSoft, Workday, Ellucian, and Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to learn new research administration tools and technologies

Nice To Haves

• One (1) year of experience in an academic, nonprofit, or government setting.
• One (1) year of experience interpreting and applying complex regulations.
• One (1) year of experience in sponsored programs, grants management, or higher education administration.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards, supporting financial oversight and administration throughout the award lifecycle from setup through closeout.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and departmental staff by interpreting financial policies, award terms, and compliance requirements, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Review, reconcile, and monitor expenditures for compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and 2 CFR 200, ensuring costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable.
• Analyze award financial activity, identify variances or potential issues, and provide recommendations to support effective stewardship of sponsored funds.
• Prepare and/or review sponsor invoices, billing submissions, and financial reports, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with award terms and conditions.
• Assist with budget management, including rebudgeting actions, cost transfers, and sponsor prior approval requests in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Establish and maintain award financial records in institutional systems, ensuring proper setup of billing, reporting, and cost share requirements.
• Monitor subrecipient financial activity, including review of invoices and documentation to ensure compliance with subaward agreements and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Support financial closeout of awards, ensuring all reporting, reconciliations, and final deliverables are completed in accordance with sponsor and institutional deadlines.
• Contribute to process improvement, internal controls, and audit readiness efforts, supporting effective and compliant research administration operations.
• Participate in training and professional development related to research administration, including sponsor updates, regulatory changes, and evolving best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Office of Research Support and Development and the University’s research mission.

What This Job Offers

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