The Division of Research Administration (DRA), the central sponsored programs office for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks a full-time Award Coordinator who will be primarily responsible for reviewing and negotiating contracts and grants from federal, state, and local government, non-profit, and foundation sponsors. Responsibilities include reading and analyzing research grants and contracts; conducting contract negotiations; recognizing unacceptable contract language and recommending acceptable contractual clauses; solving complex issues; reviewing non-financial post-award requests, recording actions in a relational database; and maintaining up-to-date electronic files. The Award Coordinator may also negotiate CDAs, MTAs, industry contracts, and foreign contracts.

Compensation will be based on qualifications and years of experience.

• Fully remote, hybrid, or in-person work options available
• Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Market Range 10.
• Two positions available

The Award Coordinator will assist and advise faculty, researchers, and staff with award administration and may prepare and lead trainings on a variety of topics related to sponsored programs. The Award Coordinator is required to keep abreast of new developments in University policies and procedures, as well as federal and state regulations. The Award Coordinator will work with sponsored projects accountants on rebudgets and other account information. The Award Coordinator will serve on University search and screen committees.

DRA is committed to the professional development of its team and supports and encourages attendance to NCURA, SRA, and other member organizations pertinent to the research administration field. In addition, DRA has an approved Career Path which offers opportunity for promotion within the office.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the field of research administration, sponsored programs, or contracting.

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to negotiate grants and contracts with federal, state, non-profit, and industry sponsors.
• Ability to recognize unacceptable grant and contract language and recommend acceptable contract clauses.
• Ability to develop functional and technical competency in the organization’s financial and research administration management tools.
• Ability to work individually and in a team environment under stressful and time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a strong customer-service oriented environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language including excellent reading comprehension and writing skills.
• Must be able to work in collaboration with others at various levels both within and outside the University.
• Must have strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Must have independent decision-making abilities.
• Must be detail-oriented and have a high level of initiative.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Prior administrative experience within a university, federal laboratory, federal contractor, or other research-intensive environment.
• Proficiency using sponsor-specific submission systems (Fastlane, Grants.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
• Knowledge of federal contract and grant provisions including federal acquisition regulations (FAR).
• Professional competence in interpreting the FAR, Uniform Guidance, etc.
• Certified Research Administrator.

Additional Information

• Please attach the following electronic documents to the application: Cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
• Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
• Contact: Stephanie Jonas-Fields, ssmit332@utk.edu

Related Websites:

• Division of Research Administration: https://research.utk.edu/research-administration/
• Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development: https://research.utk.edu/oried/
• Employment & Benefits: http://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/

Benefits Summary for Active Employees: http://humanresources.tennessee.edu/benefits/gen_benefits_info.html