Award Management Specialist

Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The position is eligible to telework up to 4 days per week as approved by the supervisor in compliance with University policy. Employees should expect to work on campus in Charlotte NC at least 1 day per week.

The Division of Research works to advance the quality, diversity, and growth of research at UNC Charlotte. This division is comprised of the following offices and organizations: Budget and Personnel; Center for Research Excellence ( CRE); Office of Sponsored Projects Administration ( OSPA); Office of Research Commercialization and Partnerships ( ORCP); Office of Research Protections & Integrity ( ORPI), and Office of Research Services ( ORS).

The Office of Research Services ( ORS) is the campus shared-services office for pre- and post-award administration, including proposal development and submissions, award acceptance, contract negotiation, sub-award and award management and modification, and reporting. ORS organizes and gives strategic direction to the research program, manages the institutional signature process for the Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs), provides faculty/staff/student support by reviewing and interpreting sponsor guidelines and regulations, prepares budget documents, reviews proposal packages for conformity to sponsor requirements, and submits and tracking proposals. ORS is also responsible for ensuring that funded projects are carried out in a manner consistent with the university and sponsor policies and procedures. ORS, in collaboration with other offices and units in Division of Research, initiates and facilitates training opportunities for campus research administration staff.

Under the direction of the Associate Director for Award Management, this position has the responsibility of assisting faculty and staff with the efficient and effective management of their funded awards from contract negotiation and award approval to project closeout. The Award Management Specialist engages with faculty and staff to support the University's research mission. They work closely with department, college, and other unit-level staff, as well as with university-level offices to ensure the highest quality support and guidance. They exhibit excellence in facilitating research, scholarship, and creative activity and maintaining the highest standards of customer service.

Provide sponsored project oversight and serve as the primary point of contact ( POC) for investigators seeking support for post-award management activities. Work with investigators and campus administrators to solve problems, answer questions, and give guidance on post-award activities and other grants management topics on a daily basis. Answer inquiries related to post-award processes and procedures, and the use of electronic research administration systems.

Assist and provide guidance to faculty and unit-level staff on the financial management and tracking of awards, including but not limited to purchasing, travel, hiring of project personnel, reporting, Assumptions of Risk, budget revisions, sponsor prior approval requests, sponsor and sub-award interactions, and award closeout. Plan award launch meetings and additional award review meetings as needed. Review and approve award transactions as assigned.

Assist in the implementation and maintenance of institutional policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory guidelines related to the financial management and timely closeout of sponsored projects. Assist and provide guidance to faculty and unit-level staff on the financial and overall management of funded awards.

Maintain strong, positive relationships with faculty and staff, all units within the Division of Research, and sponsor agencies to facilitate the work of research administration at the University. Work with colleagues/team members to jointly solve questions and challenges in their daily work. Promote and maintain close, effective working relationships between ORS and constituent units on campus. Respond to inquiries in a timely and professional manner. Monitor changes to sponsor policies and procedures and assist with communicating key changes to campus research administrators and investigators. Provide consistently excellent customer service. Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's and three years of experience; or equivalent combination of education/experience.

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