Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal

Position Highlights

Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) at the University of Arizona is seeking a Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal. The Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal supports the day-to-day operations of a comprehensive sponsored projects office, ensuring effective delivery of pre-award, post-award, subaward, property management, and research compliance services. This role leads operational process improvements, manages cross-functional workflows, and ensures staff have the tools and resources needed to provide consistent, high-quality service to faculty and campus partners.

The Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal oversees system upgrades and new technology implementations, serving as a key liaison among internal and external stakeholders to strengthen the stewardship of sponsored funding. The ideal candidate brings experience in sponsored projects or financial administration, strong systems and analytical skills, and the ability to work independently while confidently navigating partnerships across multiple teams and levels of leadership.

At Sponsored Projects Services, our Operations Services team drives the University of Arizona's research mission forward by delivering essential operational and administrative support for grant activity across campus. Performance benefits include flexible schedules and remote work within Arizona (candidate must reside within State of Arizona). We value knowledge, skills and experience, and your qualifications could add exceptional value to our team. If you're passionate about what you could accomplish here, we'd love to hear from you.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, refinement, and implementation of complex operational processes that enhance efficiency, strengthen consistency, and ensure alignment with institutional, regulatory, and sponsor requirements. This includes independently evaluating and optimizing workflows across pre-award, post-award, contracting, and financial compliance functions, applying advanced analytical skills, and exercising sound judgment to recommend and implement improvements that support the full sponsored projects lifecycle.
• Provide leadership and business support in planning, supporting, and executing complex system upgrades, new technology implementations, and workflow automation initiatives. This includes independently assessing system impacts, coordinating cross-functional requirements, and ensuring organizational readiness through strategic training, documentation, and change-management activities that enable smooth adoption and long-term system effectiveness.
• Maintain and enhance internal procedural documentation (Confluence) and external Research Support web content by independently evaluating needs, updating materials, and ensuring clear, accurate guidance for staff and campus partners.
• Propose and complete special projects as needed to support office.
• Support front desk administrative activities as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to learn and work independently, including in a remote work environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
• Self-driven with the ability to initiate and complete projects with minimal oversight.
• Knowledge of University software tools such as Financials, Research, and Analytics.
• Familiarity with or ability to learn advanced software tools such as Microsoft Power Apps and AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini.
• Knowledge of system design and development.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in business administration, accounting, MIS, computer science or related fields.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.0

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: $65,687 - $85,393

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 9

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level PC3

Job Family Grant & Contract Admin

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)

Number of Vacancies: 1