Sponsored Program Officer
About The Position
The Sponsored Program Officer (SPO) serves as an institutional business official and central administrative point of contact for faculty principal investigators and department or college administrators, supporting pre- and post-award management of externally funded grants and contracts from federal, for-profit, non-profit, and local agency sponsors. The role advises on proposal preparation and compliance, reviews budgets and proposals, secures institutional approval, and ensures timely submission. It also reviews and negotiates sponsor agreements to align with University policies and preferred positions. The SPO enters award information and administrative and financial requirements into the grants management system, communicates award terms and account information to investigators and administrators, prepares and negotiates subaward agreements, and reviews consultant agreements. After award, the SPO approves expenditures, monitors grant accounts and closeout requirements, coordinates approvals with purchasing and accounts payable, serves as the sponsor contact for prior-approval requests, tracks required deliverables, and resolves financial compliance or funding discrepancies. The position also involves committee service and outreach to faculty and administrative constituents. Work is performed in a collaborative, autonomous environment with an emphasis on work/life balance and supportive leadership. Remote work is available within Ohio, with periodic in-person events required. Remote employees must provide reliable internet access and home-office furnishings. The position includes a training program with an assigned job coach.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Two years of administrative experience in a professional business capacity in information management, policy and procedure compliance, procurement, accounting, and/or financial management.
- Two years of customer service and problem-solving experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively and provide exceptional customer service.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
- Multitasking, problem-solving, verbal and written communication, time management, follow-through, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to review and negotiate awards and contracts consistent with University preferred positions and create or review budgets using Excel.
Nice To Haves
- One year or more of experience and knowledge of federal or private agency sponsors, contract or grant regulations, and University policy.
- Experience with electronic research tools and systems.
- Demonstrated experience developing budgets and/or analyzing financial data.
Responsibilities
- Advise principal investigators on preparing and submitting proposals to sponsoring agencies.
- Prepare, review, and approve budgets according to University and sponsor guidelines.
- Counsel investigators on compliance matters, including human subjects and animal protocols, conflicts of interest, and export controls.
- Ensure proposals meet request-for-proposal, sponsor, and University requirements and obtain institutional approval for timely submission.
- Review and negotiate sponsor agreements to ensure consistency with University policies and preferred positions.
- Enter new award information and administrative and financial requirements into the grants management system.
- Communicate award information, grant account numbers, and unique terms and requirements to investigators and administrative staff.
- Prepare, issue, and negotiate subaward agreements and review consultant agreements for allowability and completeness.
- Approve expenditures and troubleshoot post-award matters with appropriate stakeholders.
- Review monthly grant account reports for allowable costs, cost-share requirements, deficits, and closeout matters.
- Coordinate with purchasing and accounts payable to provide expense approvals.
- Serve as the business official and sponsor point of contact for prior-approval requests.
- Monitor and coordinate submission of required technical and financial deliverables.
- Analyze and resolve financial compliance or funding availability problems and discrepancies.
- Serve on OSP and University committees as appropriate to knowledge level and tenure.
- Build relationships with constituents through principal investigator visits and department or college outreach.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with the University paying a significant portion of the cost.
- Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
- State retirement plan or alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.
- Flexible work schedule and location options, including remote work.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
