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Role Description

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.

• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 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.
• At least two years of customer service and problem-solving experience.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Requirements

• At least one year 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.

Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $53,800-$71,000.
• Flexible work schedule and location options aligned with U.S. Eastern Time Zone, including an option for remote work.
• All employees are provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools.

Company Description

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.