Contract/Grant Admin - ORS

Job Number:

260565

Organization: Office of Research Admin

Job Location: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus

Schedule:

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM

Work Type: Onsite

Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience

Benefits Provided: Yes

Required Attachments: Resume, Cover Letter

Job Description

This position performs, with supervisor oversight, award administration activities relating to sponsored programs. It is an entry-level, staff position that offers the incumbent an ideal foundation in understanding the principles of research administration. This position supports one or more functional areas including, but not limited to: award negotiation, acceptance, and award set-up; or contract and subcontract review and negotiation.

This position also manages non-fiscal post-award administration and closeouts, or terminations, of grants and contracts. The incumbent serves as a liaison between the sponsors and principal investigators.

This position requires critical thinking skills, problem recognition and problem-solving ability, independent analysis, strong attention to detail, and keen organizational skills. Strong communication skills are a key to a successful career in Research Administration. The position requires an ability to communicate in a positive tone, clear and concise messaging (in both oral and written communication), and the ability to balance compliance with customer service.

Typical Functions May Include:

• Reviews and negotiates with sponsor agencies on project budgets, cost-sharing requirements, award terms and conditions, modifications, no-cost extensions, terminations, and related matters.
• Negotiates agreements where the university is a subcontractor to other institutions.
• Drafts correspondence and/or prepares paperwork as necessary to accept, modify, or reject grants and contracts.
• Assures compliance to terms and conditions of monetary awards according to the standards and guidelines outlined by the university, the state and the federal government.
• Stays informed on federal, state, industrial, and foundation regulations and the support available to university faculty and staff through publications, communication with agency officials, and attendance at meetings and seminars at various levels.
• Ensures university authorization of compliance issues by corresponding with other university offices, such as Legal Counsel, Office of Technology Commercialization, and Office of Export Controls.
• Communicates with Principal Investigators to achieve goals, while maintaining compliance with applicable policies and following standard operating procedures.
• Serves as a liaison between sponsors and principal investigators as necessary to facilitate performance of projects and alleviate problems.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the functions of the position.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree, AND:

• 24 months experience in sponsored program administration or related experience in an academic institution for higher education or research environment.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 48 months of research administration experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree for a total of 72 months of experience.

Skills:

• Ability to work individually and in a team environment under stressful and time-sensitive conditions
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Superb customer service skills, using independent judgement, in a team environment, including working with faculty, administrators, accountants, and external agencies
• Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse groups/populations
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Strong attention to detail
• Must demonstrate the ability to learn and apply new knowledge and skills

Certifications: None

Advertised Physical Requirements:

Physical:

• Ability to engage in repetitive motion.
• Must be able to work in sitting position, use computer and answer telephone.

Environmental:

• Standard Office Work Environment.

Departmental Preferences:

• Previous OU experience, with some budget experience
• General knowledge of grants and contracts terminology
• Previous Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented, higher educational institution environment or similar
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, and Excel), Google Suite, Zoom, and other frequently used document sharing applications such as Dropbox