Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements: UT Space Institute

University of Tennessee•Tullahoma, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Research Contracts & Sponsored Programs Lead. This position provides institutional-level leadership and oversight for all research administration and sponsored programs activities, supporting UTSI’s growing portfolio of externally funded research. This role serves as the primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, contract negotiation, and award management. The position also serves as UTSI’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with the authority to review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, UTSI leadership, Finance, and UT System offices, including ORIED, UTRF, and the Office of General Counsel, to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support research growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, administration, or a related field
Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or contract management
Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, grants, or sponsored agreements
Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements related to research administration
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines 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 in a related field
Experience working in higher education or a research environment
Knowledge of federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR)
Experience working with intellectual property and UTRF-related processes
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential
Supervisory or team leadership experience
Familiarity with systems such as Cayuse, Grants.gov, or Research.gov

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of all sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions
Serve as UTSI’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification
Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, and non-profit contracts
Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including FAR/DFAR clauses, intellectual property provisions, and sponsor-specific requirements
Analyze and assess contractual risk, identifying and resolving high-risk or non-compliant terms
Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on intellectual property and legal matters
Oversee subaward development, execution, and monitoring
Provide guidance and support to faculty on proposal development, compliance requirements, and contract terms
Supervise and mentor sponsored programs staff and ensure efficient workflow management
Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies
Participate in institutional and system-wide research administration initiatives