Senior Sponsored Research Administrator

About the Opportunity
*This posting is open to current employees of the 17 constituent
institutions of the UNC System, the UNC System Office, and affiliates.*

The Senior Sponsored Research Administrator is responsible for compliance reviews, creating
systems to help streamline sponsored award processes, and as a backup to
post-award and pre-award administration of contract and grant awards with a
portfolio of over $45M in awards for FY25 over 250 subawards. This position is
considered a subject matter expert (SME) in pre and post award research
administration for the UNCSO, UNC System Campuses, private universities, and
non-profit entities and will make independent decisions or provide solutions on
compliance concerns, reviewing compliance for subawards, creating systems in
Smartsheet or DocuSign to streamline processes, support for audit requests, and
other post award sponsored program items. Full knowledge of all University of
North Carolina System (UNCS) policies, state, local and federal
polices/regulations are required for this position including the federal 2 CFR
200 also known as Uniform Guidance. The ability to train others at the UNCSO,
UNC campuses, and other external entities on the processes for compliance for
state and federal sponsored awards. Position will be responsible for resolving
most of the compliance concerns and creating the necessary process for
streamlining sponsored award processes. Oversight and participation of the
changes in ConnectCarolina for the sponsored programs team is required.
Communicating effectively to all customers at the UNCS and other entities along
with comprehensive written ability is required. Compliance requirements must be
met on a continual basis to minimize risk to the UNCS. This position interacts
with a variety of staff members including senior leaders, project managers, and
support personnel in the development of proposals, management of sponsored
awards as well as ensuring compliance with the policies and procedures of the
award. Position is considered high level and will need to communicate with
officials from the federal, state, and local governments sometimes making
decision quickly. Position serves as one of the authorized organizational
representatives required to submit proposals to the federal government and
other agencies. This position will be a backup to the post-award and pre award
position ensuring that all items are submitted and reviewed on time.

This position will be a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team
The Finance and Administration division works as staff to the Board of Governors, president, and chief operating officer to support the financial management of the UNC System. This includes the areas of budget development and execution, facilities, property, capital construction, debt management, procurement policy, tuition and fee development, efficiency efforts, and analysis of policy changes with a fiscal impact.

The Office of Sponsored Programs is responsible for administrative oversight and guidance for awards given to UNCSO along with helping NCPBS and NCSEAA with understanding and guidance. A large component of the oversight is compliance to the sponsors terms and conditions.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, or finance with at least 12 credit hours of accounting coursework and three years of professional accounting experience. Experience may be substituted for degree requirement.

Required Competencies
Excellent verbal, written, communication and presentation skills are needed for training staff and providing guidance on system office finance policy, procedure, and processes. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required, as well as internet and web accessibility, management of online systems, and maintenance of electronic data files. It is essential that this position work independently, as well as in a team-based environment. The ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, to effectively communicate instructions to individuals, to exercise sound professional judgement, and to work with confidential materials are critical qualities.

Problem Solving: * Ability to independently analyze and resolve unique issues and problems that necessitate input from and collaboration with internal and external sources. * Ability to serve as a resource for others in resolving issues and problems. * Ability to anticipate problems and develop resolution strategies.

Communication: * Ability to convey information orally clearly and concisely or in writing to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information and the message. * Ability to develop and edit written documents and/or reports with comprehensive and interpretative information. * Ability to respond to non-routine inquiries.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
UNC System employee with research administration experience. Experience with compliance and streamlining research administration processes. 10+ years of UNC System experience in research administration. Experience with ERP systems and financial software applications

• Classification: Finance/Budget Analyst III
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: 20065516
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Monday, May 11, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.