Senior Award Coordinator, Office of Sponsored Programs: UTIA

University of Tennessee • Knoxville, TN

9h • Remote

About The Position

The Senior Award Coordinator plays a critical role in the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Office of Sponsored Programs by independently managing a complex portfolio of sponsored awards and non‑financial agreements from acceptance through ongoing administration. As a subject‑matter expert in sponsored programs, this position ensures alignment with federal, state, sponsor, and university requirements while applying advanced judgment and strong analytical skills to navigate high‑risk, high‑dollar, and multi‑year awards. The role also serves the broader UTIA community by providing clear guidance, mentoring junior staff, and partnering with faculty and campus stakeholders to keep research moving forward.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Five (5) years of experience in research administration or sponsored programs with a bachelor’s degree, including experience negotiating complex financial and non‑financial awards and agreements; or Three (3) years of experience relevant to research administration/sponsored programs with a master’s degree.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal funding requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Demonstrated ability to independently interpret and apply complex sponsor and university policies.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Skill in MS Office applications and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and provide high‑quality customer service in a fast‑paced environment.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Professional certification such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA, CPRA, or CFRA).
• Working knowledge of UT fiscal policies and UT grant management systems (Cayuse and/or Huron).
• Familiarity with non‑financial agreement terms related to intellectual property, data sharing, publication rights, and compliance.
• Experience collaborating with legal counsel, compliance offices, and intellectual property offices.
• Experience negotiating agreements with federal, foundation, and industry sponsors.
• Experience working in a central research administration or sponsored programs office.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage a complex portfolio of sponsored awards, including high‑dollar, multi‑year, multi‑project, and/or high‑risk awards.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, U.S. regulations, Tennessee law, and University of Tennessee policies.
• Review, analyze, negotiate (as applicable), and process federal, private, and foundation awards and agreements.
• Negotiate and administer non‑financial agreements such as material transfer agreements and confidentiality agreements.
• Analyze complex budget discrepancies between proposal and award and coordinate revisions with faculty and business managers.
• Process and maintain award documentation in Cayuse and/or Huron and submit final budgets to Sponsored Programs Accounting for DASH posting.
• Coordinate and process award changes, including budget revisions and no‑cost extensions.
• Serve as an escalation point for moderate to complex award and compliance issues and direct investigators to appropriate compliance offices (IRB, IACUC, Export Control, Biosafety).
• Provide frequent guidance and troubleshooting support to UTIA faculty, staff, and external sponsors.
• Serve as a mentor and technical resource for Award Coordinators and other administrative staff.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members and share best practices and institutional knowledge.
• Provide backup award review and approval during peak workload periods or staff absences.
• Identify training needs and provide performance‑related feedback to leadership.
• Collaborate with leadership on special projects, including procedure development and sponsor terms review.
• Participate in development and delivery of training materials and workshops.
• Stay current on federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies.
• Attend and may present at professional development training through organizations such as NCURA or SRAI.
• Participate in UTIA outreach and representation activities as needed.

Benefits

• Find more information on UT Benefits here
• Anticipated hiring range: $68,000 - $75,000

What This Job Offers

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