Sponsored Programs Specialist

Position Details

Position Information


Division
Academic Affairs


Department
Sponsored Research & Programs


Working Title
Sponsored Programs Specialist - 2588


Vacancy Type
Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)


Min T/E Requirements


Master's degree in a related field or Bachelor's degree and two years related experience. Strong proficiency in Word and Excel software programs. Self-starter who can work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Ability to effectively facilitate teamwork with faculty and staff and relate professionally with local, regional and federal agencies, institutions and partners.

FTE
1


Recruitment Range
Commensurate with Education and Experience


Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Education and Experience


Position #
2588


FLSA Status
Exempt


Months per year
12


Is this a grant funded position?
No


If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable)


N/A

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit


The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs provides leadership, oversight, and support for externally funded research, scholarly activity, and institutional grant programs. OSRP facilitates the development, submission, negotiation, and management of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements; ensures compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations; and supports faculty and staff in securing external funding that advances the research, service, and academic mission of the university. The unit serves as the central coordinating office for pre-award and post-award administration and promotes collaborative partnerships that enhance the university's capacity for research and sponsored program activity.

Primary Purpose of Position


The Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) supports campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in the development and submission of extramurally funded proposals on behalf of UNCP. The position requires knowledge of grant proposal mechanisms, sponsor requirements, and submission processes in order to communicate regulations and provide administrative support for contracts and grants.

Job Description


The work performed by the Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) requires an understanding of the types of proposals and grant mechanisms used by funding agencies; the processes for application submission; and the terms and conditions of each request for proposal. This knowledge is necessary in order to communicate rules, regulations, and procedures to faculty members, staff, and stakeholders, as well as to provide support in contracts and grants administration.

Duties include collaborating with and assisting faculty members, staff, and administrators; acting as a subject-matter expert in research administration; conducting pre-award review and application submissions to ensure compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and agency guidelines; developing and reviewing budgets for allowability and financial compliance with sponsor-specific requirements; and facilitating the setup of incoming awards.

The SPS will assist faculty members, staff, and stakeholders with developing sponsored programs and research proposals while following University policies related to application submission. Work involves creating, integrating, applying, and sharing knowledge directly related to a professional field.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Excellent editing and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, explain, and apply complicated rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to work with personnel from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Management Preference

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated in-depth experience and expertise in delivering high-quality customer service to a diverse group of colleagues within the organization, the campus research community, and sponsor entities, with a focus on understanding customer needs, negotiating mutually beneficial workflows, establishing service expectations, and delivering accurate and complete services.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency required to perform the duties of the position; possesses knowledge of the profession; provides technical expertise to others; and uses cross-functional knowledge to support interdepartmental connections.
• Previous experience in research administration (pre-award, post-award, or a combination) as a grant or research administrator in a university or nonprofit setting.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation


N/A

Posting Information


Job Opening Date
12/05/2025


Job Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes


Posting Category
Professional


Posting Number
EPA01079


Quick Link to Posting




Special Instructions to Applicants


This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.