Subaward Specialist, Sponsored Programs

Position Summary

The Subaward Specialist provides administrative and compliance support for incoming and outgoing subawards at Weill Cornell Medicine. Reporting within the Office of Sponsored Research Administration (OSRA), the specialist supports the team lead and senior subaward staff with the preparation, issuance, monitoring, and closeout of subawards in accordance with sponsor requirements, federal regulations, and institutional policies. This role is designed to develop foundational knowledge of sponsored research administration, subrecipient monitoring, and federal compliance.

Job Responsibilities

• Assists with the preparation, review, and issuance of subaward agreements.
• Collect and review subrecipient documentation (statements of work, budgets, certifications).
• Reviews subaward budgets and related documentation for completeness and accuracy, and coordinates with departments and senior staff to resolve discrepancies.
• Enter and maintain subaward negotiation records in institutional systems.
• Support subrecipient risk assessments and compliance monitoring activities in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies, including tracking required documentation and audit reports.
• Assist with invoice review, deliverables tracking, and subaward modifications.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders and external subrecipients regarding routine subaward matters.
• Creates and maintains records in the System for Awards Management (SAM) to support institutional compliance with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA).
• Assist with subaward closeout activities and record retention.
• Identifies potential compliance concerns and escalates issues to senior subaward or pre-award staff for review and resolution.
• Responds to routine inquiries from departments and subrecipient institutions regarding subaward processes, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Participates in training and professional development activities to build knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor policies, and institutional procedures related to subawards.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in related field

Experience

• One to two year's experience in research administration, higher education administration, finance, or a related field.
• Prior experience in an academic or research setting preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with sponsored research concepts or federal funding mechanisms is a plus.
• Willingness to learn federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance) and institutional subaward procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and escalate issues appropriately.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.