Sponsored Program Officer I/II/III

Auburn University’s Office for the Sr. Vice President of Research and Economic Development is accepting applications for the position of Sponsored Program Officer I/II/III.

This position facilitates a wide range of sponsored administration activities for the extramurally funded research, instruction, outreach, and extension activities at the institutional level throughout Auburn University, the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. These responsibilities include contract and grant terms review, approval, negotiation, proposal development, review, submission, contract and grant management, contracts and grants funded equipment management, and providing regulatory, policy, and procedural guidance related to such activities and are expected to be conducted with limited supervision required. These responsibilities require frequent communication and engagement with stakeholders across campus and with federal, state, industry, nonprofit, and other sponsoring entities.

Special Instructions:

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter

Combine into one document and upload your cover letter and resume under the “Resume Upload” section (maximum file size: 5 MB).

• Evaluates, interprets, negotiates, and applies federal, sponsor, and University policies and regulations to determine acceptable conditions of awards including such areas as conflict of interest, export control, intellectual property, indemnity, governing law, cost principles, data and information security requirements, human subjects, animal subjects, and lab safety while referring relevant matters to the appropriate University office and/or personnel (i.e., General Counsel, the Office of Research Compliance, the Office of Research Security Compliance, The Intellectual Property Exchange, the Office of Risk Management, the Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy, and Contracts and Grants Accounting).
• Prepares, reviews, and negotiates contracts, amendments, and instruments of a legal character for the Office of Sponsored Programs. This includes, but is not limited to, fixed price and cost reimbursable sponsored research agreements, master agreements, task orders, memoranda of understanding, consortium agreements, teaming agreements, and other contracts associated with externally funded research, instruction, outreach, and extension activities.
• Reviews and facilitates award change requests including re-budgeting, pre-award costs, carryover of unobligated balances, and no-cost-extensions and assists with the acquisition, management, and reporting for sponsor-funded equipment and materials while maintaining records and titles through the lifecycle of an award.
• Provides regulatory guidance to faculty, administrative units, and staff ensuring compliance with and adherence to relevant laws and regulations governing sponsored research while building trust and providing efficient and effective service to diverse constituents both internally and externally.
• Maintains a broad understanding of interpreting and applying federal regulations governing sponsored research including 2 CFR 200, the Federal Acquisition regulations, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, standard federal research terms and conditions, and other agency-specific requirements. Remains current with developments in university-sponsored contracting and research administration through participation in professional development activities such as attendance at professional meetings and in-house webinars and other informational sessions.
• Participates in the development, review, and maintenance of policies, procedures, tools, and resources based on the changing regulatory environment.
• Coordinates, advises, and supports faculty and staff on extramural proposals for research, instruction, outreach, and extension activity to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal, state, University, and sponsor rules and regulations and maintains the authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University

Level I:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; Business Administration; Public Administration; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Management; Law; Social Sciences; or a directly related and relevant degree/major from an accredited institution.

Level II:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; Business Administration; Public Administration; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Management; Law; Social Sciences; or a directly related and relevant degree/major from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of experience in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, research management, legal, or related field. Experience in a higher education environment, particularly interpreting laws and regulations, is desired.

Level III:

• Bachelor's degree in STEM; Business Administration; Public Administration; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Management; Law; Social Sciences; or a directly related and relevant degree/major from an accredited institution.
• 6 years of experience in regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, research management, legal, or related field. Experience in a higher education environment, particularly interpreting laws and regulations, is desired.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in a higher education environment, particularly interpreting laws and regulations, is desired.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) desired

Substitution allowed for Experience:

When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

• Strong working knowledge of relevant university, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of research administration in a University setting.
• Strong working knowledge of electronic systems for proposal submission and award and grant management.
• Demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication skills and reading comprehension.
• Ability to succeed in a high-volume, high-pressure, fast-paced environment to manage and prioritize a large task list with deadlines, interruptions, and competing priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated time management, critical thinking, organizational and customer service skills, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to complete tasks independently as contributions to a team effort.
• Demonstrated self-discipline and sound independent judgment completing time-sensitive assignments.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!