Sponsored Projects Grants & Contracts Officer
: Job Details :

Sponsored Projects Grants & Contracts Officer Job Summary Sponsored Projects Officers (SPO) on the Federal and Foundation Grants and Contracts Team provide centralized support to University of Utah faculty seeking external funding for research, public service, and sponsored institutional projects. SPOs are the university's authorized liaisons for administrative and contractual matters with award sponsors. This position provides support for most phases of the research project life cycle, including application review and submission, award negotiation, and providing expertise and policy guidance in the administrative management and closeout of sponsored awards to faculty and staff. The value of being an employee at the University of Utah goes far beyond your base salary, so we encourage you to carefully consider and compare our total package offer. This package includes a variety of excellent employee benefits, including health care coverage, retirement plans, and paid leave time as well as other valuable benefits, services, and programs such as tuition reduction. One example is the U's retirement benefits which amount to a 14.2% contribution in addition to your annual salary. You may view the U's total compensation estimator to calculate the approximate value of your total compensation at www.hr.utah.edu/comp/totalcomp.php. If you have any questions on how to use the estimator tool, please contact Human Resources at 801-###-####. Responsibilities Provides expert advice to faculty and staff in regards to sponsor and University policies and requirements for sponsored project application development and award administration. Negotiates terms and conditions with sponsoring entities for awards, inbound and outbound subawards, and other agreements. Advises faculty and staff on and helps resolve issues that arise in the administration of applications and awards. • Provides formal and informal training to faculty and staff. Manages sponsored projects data via database. Facilitate the regular collection of information and metrics related to the contracting and sponsored project management process, including preparing and submitting reports, analyzing and preparing data of work performed, compile reports, and other tracking and reporting tasks as identified. Respond to faculty, staff, and sponsor inquires. Act as OSP liaison with the University's Office of General Counsel on legal matters pertaining to sponsored contract agreements. Act as an OSP liaison with University leadership and other research administration and compliance offices. Use information systems to track and manage sponsored agreements through the project lifecycle. Record preliminary, contract, and award information in the sponsored project infrastructure, including financial and other compliance systems. Serve as the primary resource for campus-wide research administration professionals and external interested parties and provide expert advice on University policies and procedures, work process and practice, the sponsored programs lifecycle, IT systems, contacting, compliance issues, reporting, and stewardship. Ensure that University practice and policy related to sponsored contracts reflect current state and federal laws and regulations for sponsored program activity and provide training and updates to faculty, leadership, and research administration professionals across campus. Other duties as assigned. Comments: This position provides support in highly specialized areas of Research Administration. The Office of Sponsored Projects is a customer service organization dedicated to supporting a diverse client set including University administration, faculty, support staff and sponsoring entities. Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required: Nearly Continuously: Office environment Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required: Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration or related field or equivalency required (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience). Two years experience working with federal or private funding agencies on grants, contracts or other agreements required. The ability to work independently, effectively and efficiently under extreme pressure and demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required. An advanced degree in Public Administration, Law or a related field and five years of increasingly responsible experience within an academic or higher education environment preferred. Computer literacy in data management, document preparation and management, spreadsheet creation and presentation software is also preferred. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. Preferences Bachelor's degree General knowledge of sponsored projects research administration in an academic/university setting Two (2) years of experience in central office research administration in a university/academic setting Experience understanding, interpreting, and applying federal policies and guidelines related to federal grants and contracts; experience interpreting and applying Uniform Guidance and major agency policy guidelines preferred Ability to understand and analyze complex federal policies and regulations and appropriately apply them to grant and contract applications, in award negotiations, and in post-award actions Ability to communicate knowledge and ideas both verbally and in writing with clarity and effectiveness to internal and external audiences Proactively drive change and continuous improvement through individual contributions and group project work Robust planning and organizational skills Strong service orientation and exceptional customer service skills Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, action-oriented, customer-focused Special Instructions Requisition Number: PRN43072B Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Work Schedule Summary: Hybrid Work Schedule: Minimum of 16 hours (2 business days) a week in the office.Regular Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 am– 5:00 pm Department: 00644 - Office of Sponsored Projects Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $47,600 to $85,000 Close Date: 12/10/2025 Open Until Filled: To apply, visit jeid-65cd7a1b7ab8374db8f071b041961d4b