Sponsored Programs Administrator

Sponsored Programs Administrator

The Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation and Office of Research Administration and Compliance (ORAC) at UL Lafayette provides post award management and financial oversight, while ensuring compliance with federal regulations and adherence to state and university policies, for all externally funded research and sponsored activities. Major Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive post-award administration and support to faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), department administrators, and other University personnel managing sponsored research and externally funded projects.
• Review sponsored award terms and conditions and negotiate or coordinate modifications, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, University policies and procedures, and sponsor requirements.
• Manage post-award activities for assigned departments, centers, and/or sponsored projects throughout the award lifecycle, including award setup, budget management, modifications, reporting, compliance, and closeout.
• Review, process, and coordinate no-cost extensions, budget revisions, rebudgeting requests, contract amendments, and other award modifications in accordance with sponsor requirements and University policies.
• Serve as the University liaison with Federal and non-Federal sponsors and funding agencies regarding the administration and financial management of sponsored awards.
• Serve as a liaison between Principal Investigators, departmental administrators, University offices, and sponsors to resolve award-related questions, issues, and compliance matters.
• Advise PIs and departmental personnel regarding allowable costs, budget management, budget adjustments, rebudgeting, sponsor restrictions, and other post-award financial requirements.
• Monitor award budgets, project periods, reporting requirements, compliance obligations, and other key deadlines throughout the lifecycle of sponsored awards.
• Review and approve expenditures and financial transactions charged to sponsored awards to ensure allowability, allocability, reasonableness, consistency, and compliance with sponsor requirements, applicable regulations, and University policies.
• Monitor sponsored award activity and perform required approvals and grant management functions within the University's ERP system, Banner.
• Review and process travel pre-approvals and expense transactions and perform related grant management and compliance functions through Chrome River.
• Maintain complete and accurate post-award records, including award documents, amendments, approvals, sponsor correspondence, financial documentation, and other records supporting financial activity and adjustments.
• Coordinate with the Pre-Award office to ensure accurate and complete proposal and award information is maintained and that approved proposal budgets and commitments align with the sponsored award.
• Monitor, coordinate, and/or submit progress/technical and other reports required by Federal agencies, State agencies, and other sponsors, as assigned.
• Administer, monitor and review effort for key personnel and other personnel as required on sponsored projects, and monitor compliance with committed effort and applicable University and sponsor requirements.
• Identify potential financial, administrative, and compliance issues and work proactively with PIs, departments, sponsors, and University offices to resolve issues and mitigate risk.
• Maintain internal tracking and monitoring systems for sponsored research activities, award modifications, deadlines, compliance requirements, and other post-award activities, and prepare reports and analyses as needed.
• Participate in the development and delivery of campus communications, training, educational materials, and outreach programs related to sponsored programs administration, financial management, and compliance.
• Support internal and external audits, monitoring activities, sponsor reviews, and other compliance inquiries by providing requested documentation and information.
• Complete all training mandated by the ORAC department and the university.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

This position reports to the Vice President of Research & Innovation and the Sponsored Programs Manager, but will work with other staff members to plan and implement professional development programs, develop support materials for the University community relevant to the post-award compliance areas, and contribute to the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the office.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs administration, contracts, grants management, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored programs and contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret, implement, and monitor regulatory and institutional compliance requirements.

Skills Abilities, Etc.:

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a heavy workload.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment when handling confidential information.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to analyze data and formulate conclusions.
• Proficient use of computers; requires solid working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people.