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Position Overview

The Senior Sponsored Program Officer (SPO) is an experienced professional position that provides institutional authority, central administrative oversight, and content expertise to 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.

This position is on the College of Arts and Sciences team and will be responsible for the pre-award and post-award workload related to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

The core responsibilities for this position include:

• Leading complex research administration activities for a diverse portfolio of faculty and research units, independently managing high-impact proposals from development through submission.
• Serving as an institutional authority for proposal approvals, sponsor submissions, and contract negotiations, including complex federal, international, and non-standard research agreements.
• Providing expert guidance on research compliance and regulations, interpreting sponsor requirements, university policy, federal and state laws, and industry best practices for researchers and university leaders.
• Partnering with principal investigators, colleges, and administrative leaders to support successful funding pursuits while safeguarding institutional interests and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Mentoring and developing research administration professionals, providing coaching, training, and knowledge-sharing to build expertise across the team.
• Leading outreach and education initiatives for the research community, delivering training on electronic research systems, proposal development processes, and sponsored program best practices.

Skills and Competencies for Success

• Ability to manage multiple, shifting priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to write and interpret award/contract language.
• Analyze complex situations and decide appropriate steps for resolution and follow-thru.
• Excellent time management, follow-through, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience with public speaking and training others.
• Ability to provide exceptional customer service to all stakeholders.
• Ability to mentor and advise new and junior staff and take an active role in their training and provide guidance in solving complex problems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic research tools and systems.
• Four (4) years of experience in a professional business capacity working in information management, compliance with policies and procedures, procurement, accounting, and/or financial management.
• At least two of the four years must include direct research administration experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in central research administration in a university setting.
• Familiarity with Workday Financial Management Grants Module a plus. Working knowledge of federal or private agency sponsors, contract/grant regulations, and university policies.
• Demonstrated experience developing budgets and/or analyzing financial data.

Application Materials

• A resume and cover letter are required to be submitted at the time of application to be considered for this position.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $70,100 - $91,600. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on multiple factors including internal equity, unit’s available budget, and the candidate’s qualifications.

Work Location

This is a remote position, preferably working from the state of Ohio.

Additional Information

Ohio State will not sponsor applicants for a work visa for this position.

OSP provides a collaborative, autonomous work environment with a strong emphasis on work/life balance and supportive leadership. Employees are provided several flexible work schedule and location options, including an option for remote work aligned with U.S. Eastern Time Zone. All staff are expected to attend certain periodic in-person work events during the year, regardless of work schedule and location. All employees are provided University-configured equipment and supportive technology tools. Employees will be required to provide reliable internet access and home office furnishings if they opt for part or all of their duties to be undertaken remotely.

To maximize staff success, OSP provides a robust training program including an assigned job coach who provides mentoring and guidance throughout the training period. New Sr. SPOs will be assigned a constituency following the focused training period.

Starting Day One: Comprehensive Benefits

give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Position Mapping

• Function: Research Administration
• Subfunction: Sponsored Programs
• Career Band and Level: S3

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.