Sponsored Programs Lead, Research Office (College of Medicine, Phoenix)

The University of Arizona•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Medicine-Phoenix seeks an innovative, results-oriented Sponsored Programs Lead to support a portfolio of research accounts. The role manages research accounts across multiple department structures and may involve finance, human resources, payroll, program development, and administrative operations. The lead supports budget development and management, monthly reporting, and business reporting, while coordinating, standardizing, and improving research processes, policies, and procedures. The position provides support and direction to administrative and financial support staff and serves as a guiding authority for research budgets in the assigned portfolio. The lead is expected to work with minimal guidance, collaborate closely with College shared services teams, and ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies and procedures while maintaining fiscal and human-resource integrity for assigned departments. The role oversees sponsored awards through the post-award lifecycle, advises principal investigators and departmental leaders on financial and compliance matters, coordinates award actions, and works with central administration and internal partners. It conducts advanced financial reviews and planning, monitors budgets and account activity, interprets sponsor and institutional requirements, mitigates compliance risks, supports audits and corrective actions, and prepares financial and project reporting. The position requires strong grant and contract management, intermediate budget and financial administration skills, the ability to perform complex financial analyses, and a commitment to customer service and stakeholder support.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
At least 5 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Strong grant and contract management skills.
Intermediate budget and financial administration skills, including the ability to perform complex budget and financial analyses.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet short, competing deadlines.
Ability to perform assigned duties with minimal guidance and assistance.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prepare detailed reports on a timely basis.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and maintain a professional manner.
In-depth knowledge of and ability to develop standard operating procedures, compliance forms, and tracking documents.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Commitment to excellent customer service and support for departmental stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field of study.
At least 3 years of higher education or government accounting and budgeting experience for research, including recurring operating funds, gifts, grants, indirect cost revenue, and auxiliary funds.
Demonstrated experience managing grants, contracts, and other research agreements.
Demonstrated experience with quality process management and improvement.
Professional demeanor and discretion when handling sensitive information.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of sponsored awards to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient post-award administration with principal investigators and departmental administrators.
Oversee the post-award lifecycle, including award setup, monitoring, modification, and closeout, in coordination with central offices.
Serve as a primary financial and compliance advisor to faculty and leadership, supporting decisions and problem resolution.
Coordinate complex award actions, including no-cost extensions, carryforward, and modifications, in alignment with sponsor requirements.
Collaborate with finance, human resources, procurement, research administration, and other internal partners to resolve operational issues.
Liaise between departments and central administration to facilitate communication and coordination.
Provide training and consultation on post-award practices to strengthen departmental knowledge and compliance.
Coordinate cross-functional activities affecting sponsored projects.
Evaluate processes and workflows, recommend improvements, and develop tools, templates, and standard practices for post-award management.
Contribute to policy interpretation and procedural updates in response to evolving regulations.
Analyze budget-to-actual performance and spending trends; identify risks, optimize resources, and support strategic decisions.
Develop financial projections and burn-rate analyses, and recommend budget strategies and adjustments consistent with project scope and sponsor restrictions.
Review salary allocations and effort commitments for compliance with effort certification and funding requirements.
Review complex transactions, including cost transfers, subawards, and payroll distributions, for allowability and allocability.
Oversee account reconciliations and resolve complex financial discrepancies.
Monitor encumbrances, commitments, and expenditures to assess award financial sustainability.
Interpret sponsor regulations, federal guidelines, and institutional policies; advise on compliance matters such as allowability, timing of costs, and cost sharing.
Monitor portfolio activity for compliance risks, escalate high-risk or ambiguous issues, and help mitigate institutional risk.
Prepare for audits by reviewing financial activity and documentation; validate transactions and supporting documentation for compliance.
Coordinate responses to audit inquiries and data requests, analyze audit findings and trends, recommend corrective actions, and support corrective action plans.
Prepare comprehensive financial reports and analyses, variance analyses, and narrative summaries for principal investigators and leadership.
Ensure sponsor financial reports are accurate and complete, and develop or enhance reporting tools and dashboards.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Disability programs
Paid vacation
Sick leave
Paid holidays
Tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members at the University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University
Retirement plans
Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
Innovative work-life programs