Sr. Sponsored Research Administrator

About the Opportunity
The position is responsible for serving pre-award and post award functions. The position will oversee subaward signature process, non-financial award changes, subaward invoice payment processing and tracking, and creating procedures to help streamline sponsored award processes. FY25 portfolio of over $50M in awards for 100 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 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. Oversight and participation in the changes in ConnectCarolina for the sponsored programs team is required. Communicating effectively to all customers at UNCSO and other entities along with comprehensive written ability is required. Compliance requirements must be met on a continual basis to minimize risk to the UNCSO. 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 decisions quickly. Position will be a back up to the OSP research administrator for compliance and special projects.

This position may be eligible for 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.

This position is open to current UNC System Employees only.

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.

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.

Required Competencies

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, Certifications and/or Experience (optional)
* UNC System employee with research administration experience.
* Experience with compliance and streamlining research administration processes.
* 5+ years of UNC System current 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: Instructional, Research and Information Technology
• Location: USA
• Position Number: 20078966
• Special Instructions for Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by October 16, 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 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.