Research Foundation Sponsored Programs Assistant I - Office of Research Programs

About College of Environmental Science and Forestry:

Founded in 1911, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is the nation's oldest and most respected school dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies and building a sustainable future. The ESF main campus is in Syracuse, NY and has regional campuses throughout Central New York and the Adirondack Park. ESF consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Peterson's Guide, The Washington Monthly, Princeton Review and other national college guidebooks.

Job Description:

Title: Sponsored Programs Assistant I (multiple positions available)

Unit: Office of Research Programs (ORP)

Salary: $62,500- $64,500 Annually Commensurate with Qualifications. Outstanding Benefits Package including comprehensive health and retirement plan options

Location: SUNY ESF Campus. Hybrid position possible, depending on experience & qualifications

Brief description of duties: Assist SUNY-ESF faculty and staff in the administration of sponsored research contracts and grants. The duties for this position may include:

• Aid faculty investigators to develop project budgets and prepare proposal application documents; in accordance with sponsor submission requirements and Research Foundation for SUNY policies
• Assist ORP staff in the submission of faculty research proposals to federal, state and industry sponsors;
• Assist and collaborate with faculty and staff with post-award financial and contract administration including account management, expenditure monitoring, project staffing, and partner contracts.
• Serve as a point of contact between RF and sponsor regarding principal investigator requests or modifications.
• Assist with sponsor reporting and compliance requirements.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or associate degree with 4 years of professional work experience
• Ability to consistently multitask, solve problems, and work flexibly to ensure success and provide support to colleagues as necessary
• Service-oriented individual with the ability and desire to work within a team approach and excel in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Proficient with information systems and Excel spreadsheet software
• Interest in identifying, researching, and resolving problems, and following through on tasks with moderate direction
• Skilled in navigating business systems, electronic documents, and sponsors' website

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of related business experience (e.g. proposal / contract preparation and administration).
• B.S./B.A. in business, administration, or other relevant field.
• Experience in a higher education, sponsored program, or contract administration environment

Additional Information:

In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.

Application Instructions:

Application Deadline: Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates should submit their application by June 12, 2026 for optimal consideration.

Application Procedure: Application materials are required to be submitted on-line. Submit a cover letter, transcript, resume, and contact information for three references online.