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

University of Tennessee•Tullahoma, TN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements. This position provides institutional-level leadership and oversight for research administration and sponsored programs activities supporting UTSI's growing portfolio of externally funded research. The role serves as a primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, research contract negotiation, award management, and service as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The position works closely with faculty, UTSI leadership, Finance, and University offices, including the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF), and the Office of General Counsel, to support externally funded research, ensure compliance with sponsor and University requirements, mitigate institutional risk, and provide effective service throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.

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, including demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, grants, or sponsored agreements.
Detailed knowledge of pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration
Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements
Ability to review and analyze proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines
Independent decision-making ability
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.
Higher education or research environment experience
Supervisory or team leadership experience
Experience with intellectual property and UTRF-related processes
Knowledge of federal contracting regulations, including FAR/DFAR
Familiarity with electronic research administration and sponsor systems such as Cayuse, Grants.gov, Research.gov, and similar platforms
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential preferred

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight of sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions.
Serve as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification.
Review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects within delegated authority.
Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, state, nonprofit, and other sponsored agreements.
Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including FAR/DFAR clauses, intellectual property provisions, publication rights, and sponsor-specific requirements.
Analyze complex legal agreements, identify unacceptable or high-risk contractual language, and recommend or negotiate appropriate revisions consistent with University policy and applicable requirements.
Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on intellectual property, invention disclosures, legal matters, and UTRF-related processes.
Oversee subaward development, execution, monitoring, modifications, and related documentation.
Provide guidance and support to faculty and research staff on proposal development, sponsor requirements, compliance matters, budgets, and contract terms.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate sponsored programs staff; establish priorities and ensure efficient workflow management and service delivery.
Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies, including applicable Uniform Guidance and federal contracting requirements.
Participate in institutional and system-wide research administration initiatives and develop or improve processes that support research growth and reduce institutional risk.