Senior Sponsored Research Administrator

About the Opportunity The Senior Sponsored Research Administrator is responsible for compliance reviews, creating systems to help streamline sponsored award processes, and as a backup top‑post‑award and pre‑award administration of contract and grant awards with a portfolio of over $45M in awards for FY25 over 250 sub‑awards. This position is considered a subject matter expert (SME) in pre and post award research administration for the UNC SO, UNC System Campuses, private universities, and non‑profit entities and will make independent decisions or provide solutions on compliance concerns, reviewing compliance for sub‑awards, creating systems in Smartsheet or DocuSign to streamline processes, support for audit requests, and other post‑award sponsored program items. Full knowledge of all University of North Carolina System (UNIC) policies, state, local and federal policies/regulations are required for this position including the federal 2 CFR 200 also known as Uniform Guidance. The ability to train others at the UNCSC, UNC campuses, and other external entities on the processes for compliance for state and federal sponsored awards. Position will be responsible for resolving most of the compliance concerns and creating the necessary process for streamlining sponsored award processes. Oversight and participation of the changes in ConnectCarolina for the sponsored programs team is required. Communicating effectively to all customers at the UNCSC and other entities along with comprehensive written ability is required. Compliance requirements must be met on a continual basis to minimize risk to the UNCSC. This position interacts with a variety of staff members including senior leaders, project managers, and support personnel in the development of proposals, management of sponsored awards as well as ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures of the award. Position is considered high level and will need to communicate with officials from the federal, state, and local governments sometimes making decision quickly. Position serves as one of the authorized organizational representatives required to submit proposals to the federal government and other agencies. This position will be a backup to the post‑award and pre‑award position ensuring that all items are submitted and reviewed on time. This position will be a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2‑hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station. Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance with at least 12 credit hours of accounting coursework and three years of professional accounting experience. Experience may be substituted for degree requirement. Required Competencies Excellent verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are needed for training staff and providing guidance on system office finance policy, procedure, and processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required, as well as internet and web accessibility, management of online systems, and maintenance of electronic data files. It is essential that this position work independently, as well as in a team‑based environment. The ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, to effectively communicate instructions to individuals, to exercise sound professional judgement, and to work with confidential materials are critical qualities. Problem Solving: • Ability to independently analyze and resolve unique issues and problems that necessitate input from and collaboration with internal and external sources. • Ability to serve as a resource for others in resolving issues and problems. • Ability to anticipate problems and develop resolution strategies. Communication: • Ability to convey information orally clearly and concisely or in writing to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information and the message. • Ability to develop and edit written documents and/or reports with comprehensive and interpretative information. • Ability to respond to non‑routine inquiries. Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills UNC System employee with research administration experience. Experience with compliance and streamlining research administration processes. 10+ years of UNC System experience in research administration. Experience with ERP systems and financial software applications Classification: Finance/Budget Analyst III Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time Employment Type: EHRA EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff Position Number: 20065516 Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Monday, May 11, 2026 will receive priority consideration. Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Human Resources Contact Information Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of North Carolina System