Sponsored Programs Officer IV

Summary

UF DSP Classification*

An advanced-level position within UF’s Division of Sponsored Programs responsible for facilitating a wide range of sponsored programs administration activities, including managing the most highly complex pre-award and non-financial post award transactions related to sponsored programs administration. Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas; problem-solving frequently requires analysis of unique issues/problems without precedent and/or structure. May manage programs that include formulating strategies and administering policies, processes, and resources; functions with a high degree of autonomy.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description.  These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

Preparation and Submission of Proposals

• Coordinate and support faculty and staff in the preparation of proposals being submitted to federal, state, corporate, and other funding agencies.
• Review proposals for accuracy and compliance with federal, state, university and sponsor regulations.
• Ensure that university policies, such as the F&A Policy, Cost Sharing Policy, PI Status Policy, Effort Policy and others, are followed.
• Review and analyze proposed budgets for compliance with guidelines; check budget details for accurate reflection of line items and proper indirect cost rates.
• Submit proposals on behalf of the University of Florida.
• Appointed a University Signing Official for proposal submissions.
• Maintain knowledge with university and sponsor electronic research administration systems in order to ensure timely and compliant submission of proposals.
• Point of contact for post submission of proposal materials requested by sponsors.

Award Acceptance

• Review and negotiate grants, contracts, awards, agreements, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, and other agreements or documents relating to research, training and other sponsored programs.
• Evaluate compliance concerns in awards such as cost accounting standards, cost sharing, human use, animal use and safety, data storage, training.
• Interpret and apply federal and sponsor policies and regulations to determine acceptable conditions of awards including such areas as: Effort Commitments, Conflict of Interest, Export Controls, Cost Principles, human use, animal use and lab safety.
• Maintain accurate and complete files and records for each award or agreement.
• Ensure awards are consistent and meet standards that are designed to assist adherence to UF policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the initial award set-up using the University of Florida Integrated Research Support Tool (UFIRST).
• Prepare and distribute UF’s official internal award package to the award’s Principal Investigator (PI), Department administrative staff, and Contracts and Grants Accounting (C&G); approve the award to be established in the UF accounting system and the project activities to commence.

Award Management

• Maintain knowledge with university and sponsor electronic research administration systems in order to ensure timely and compliant submission of post award activities.
• Review and facilitate change requests to awards including for re-budgeting, pre-award costs, carryover of unobligated balances, and no-cost-extensions.
• Assist when needed in the preparation of subawards and subcontracts that are issued to subrecipients under prime federal or non-federal grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts.
• Assist in the develop and implementation of office procedures to support campus policy
• Maintain positive and productive business relationships within the University and with its Sponsors.
• Participate in the shared responsibility for ensuring responsible stewardship for funds provided by external sponsors.
• Maintain a high level of professional knowledge through self-study, research, and participation in professional development.
• Examine existing systems, practices and procedures using methods which result in improved organizational performance.
• Provide policy and procedure interpretation to academic departments and prepare specialized reports to federal and sponsoring agencies.
• Act as a liaison between Principal Investigator (PI), campus administrators, agency officials, as well as federal, state, and local offices to resolve problems or issues that develop during course of project.

Senior Level Responsibilities

• Involved in the most highly complex pre-award and non-financial post award transactions related to grants and contracts.
• Is expected to maintain expert knowledge of federal, state and non-profit sponsor regulations, policies, requirements, procedures and areas of interest and to mentor less experienced Sponsored Programs Administrators.
• Detect areas where new regulations need to be understood, implemented and communicated and provide training and assistance to PIs and Departments across the campus to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies.
• Negotiate the terms and conditions of complex research grant, contract, and subcontract awards from a variety of domestic and international sponsors in accordance with UF policy and federal compliance requirements.
• Expected to provide peer leadership and feedback in the ongoing improvement of office services and to work as a member of a highly qualified team of professionals dedicated to quality service and work product excellence.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of experience in sponsored program administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position may include supervisory responsibility.

*Reserved Classification – Use of this classification outside of UF Division of Sponsored Programs (DSP) requires prior approval by Classification and Compensation

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.