Sponsored Program Officer

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Job Title:

Department:

The Sponsored Program Officer (SPO) position serves as the institutional business official and central administrative point of contact for faculty principal investigators (PIs) and department/college administrators on pre- and post-award management of externally funded grants and contracts from federal, for-profit, non-profit, and local agency sponsors.

Sponsored Program Officers are responsible for the following:

• Pre-Award/Award Negotiation: Advises PIs on submission of proposals to sponsoring agencies. Prepares and/or reviews and approves budgets according to University and sponsor guidelines. Counsels PIs on compliance considerations (e.g. human subjects and animal protocols, conflict of interest, export controls). Ensures proposals conform to request for proposal (RFP), sponsor, and University requirements. Provides institutional approval and ensures successful and timely submission of proposals. Reviews agreements received from external sponsors and negotiates award terms to ensure consistency with University preferred positions and policies.
• Award Set-up: Accurately enters new award information, including administrative and financial requirements, into grants management system. Communicates award information and grant account number to the PI and administrative staff, highlighting unique terms and requirements. Prepares, issues, and negotiates subaward agreements. Reviews consultant agreements for allowability and completeness.
• Post Award/Closeout: Provides expenditure approvals and facilitates other post-award matters by troubleshooting, researching and communicating with appropriate stakeholders. Reviews monthly grant account reports to monitor assigned workload for allowable costs, cost share requirements, deficits, and closeout. Coordinates with purchasing and accounts payable to provide expense approvals. Serves as business official and point of contact to sponsor for prior approvals requests. Monitors and coordinates submission of required technical and financial deliverables. Analyzes and resolves problems and discrepancies related to financial compliance or availability of funds.
• Other duties: Serves on OSP and University committees as appropriate for knowledge level and tenure. Builds relationships with constituents through PI visits and other department/college outreach activities. Relative distribution of duties will vary with constituency assignment.

A successful SPO has the ability to perform the following essential skills and competencies:

• Balance working autonomously as well as within a team; understand the importance and value in providing exceptional customer service; be comfortable with being flexible and adaptable performing in a high volume and deadline driven environment.
• Be capable of multi-tasking, problem solving, and possess superior verbal and written communication skills; possess time management ability, follow-through, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Review and negotiate awards/contracts consistent with University preferred positions; create or review budgets using Excel spreadsheets as a tool.
• Enjoy working in a culture that promotes work/life balance, peer collaboration, autonomy, and supportive leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of administrative experience in a professional business capacity working in information management, compliance with policies and procedures, procurement, accounting, and/or financial management.
• Two years of customer service and problem-solving experience. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Desired Qualifications

• One year or more of experience and knowledge of federal or private agency sponsors, contract/grant regulations, and University policy.
• Experience with electronic research tools and systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing budgets and/or analyzing financial data.       

Application Materials

• A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.

Additional Information:

Salary

The salary range for this position is $58,700-77,000. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Work Location

This position is eligible for remote work within the state of Ohio.

Additional Information

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

Starting Day One: Comprehensive Benefits

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Overview

Join the Research Development Office within the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) at The Ohio State University and become a part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of discovery and innovation. ERIK positions Ohio State to expand curiosity-driven research and creative expression, further develop our research community of faculty, staff, and students, and grow the innovation ecosystem to address big challenges and improve communities locally and globally. We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. To learn more about our mission and work, please visit our ERIK website.

The Office of Sponsored Programs

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), under the auspices of the Office of Research, supports the development, implementation, and coordination of sponsored research at the University from proposal development to project closeout. OSP provides a full range of research administration services to support Ohio State faculty, staff, and graduate students through research administration, responsible stewardship of funds and sound management practices. Please visit the Office of Sponsored Programs website for details.

OSP provides a collaborative, autonomous work environment with a strong emphasis on work/life balance and supportive leadership. Employees are provided several flexible work schedule and location options, including an option for remote work aligned with U.S. Eastern Time Zone. All staff are expected to attend certain periodic in-person work events during the year, regardless of work schedule and location. All employees are provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools. Employees will be required to provide reliable internet access and home office furnishings if they opt for part or all of their duties to be undertaken remotely.

To maximize staff success, OSP provides a robust training program including an assigned job coach who provides mentoring and guidance throughout the training period. New Sr. SPOs will be assigned a constituency following the focused training period.

Position Mapping

• Function: Research Administration
• Subfunction: Sponsored Programs
• Career Band and Level: S2

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Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.