Sponsored Programs Coordinator

The Sponsored Programs Grants and Contract Coordinator is part of the Proposals and Awards Team within Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for serving as a liaison between departmental staff, faculty, and sponsors. The position requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment. Strong analytical skills including critical thinking, research and information analysis, communication, and problem-solving are necessary competencies for this position. Reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Proposals and Awards, the Sponsored Programs Grant and Contract Coordinator will contribute to and support a team environment.

Sponsored Programs Administration at Vanderbilt University is a central pre-award, non-financial post- award office responsible for the review, approval, and submission of grant and contract proposals to government and non-profit sponsors. SPA also negotiates awards and contracts on behalf of the University with these sponsors and issues outgoing subawards under Vanderbilt agreements. We currently have an open position for the Proposal and Awards Team, and we are seeking applicants that like to challenge themselves and are committed to building their knowledge of research administration at a comprehensive research institution.

Duties and Responsibilities

This is an entry-level professional position. This position requires the use of critical thinking in all aspects of the proposal to award processes - from daily tasks to customer service questions.

Assists with sponsored programs activities:

• Serves as the primary point of contact for partners related to SPA. Triage of all workflow documents to appropriate staff members using SPA-specific software and monitoring of the SPA Contracts and Subcontracts public email folder.

• Serve as liaison/customer service representative between departmental staff, faculty, and sponsor for inquiries and modifications. Utilizes a high level of professional customer service and a helpful demeanor when interacting with all constituents, including when presented with conflicts of a difficult or sensitive nature.

• Monitor outgoing subcontracts and report all eligible awards to the federal government using online monitoring system. - Update the electronic system when new awards are received.

• Regularly review award files and follow-up on outstanding items with departmental personnel and faculty to ensure that all award requirements are met throughout the life cycle of the award.

• Independently keep abreast of changes and updates in sponsored projects terms and conditions and University policies as they relate to the establishment/maintenance of sponsored projects. Create training for SPA staff regarding updates in federal guidelines. Help create a system for updating SPA staff on changes, along with working with SPA Training to provide resources and training for SPA staff and the Research Administrative community.

• Assist departmental staff involved in contract and grant administration by serving as a subject matter expert and interpreting and providing guidance on University policies and sponsor regulations.

• Provide support to the Proposals and Awards Team as a backup team member when needed.

• Participate in SPA initiatives, such as training and implementation of the new electronic research administration system.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university of higher education, or equivalent professional training and experience, is necessary.

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is preferred.

• Minimum 3 years' experience working in a professional office environment is necessary.

• The ability to analyze and solve problems is necessary.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.

• The ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community is necessary.

• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials are necessary.

• Administrative experience within a University, Federal Laboratory or other research-intensive environment is strongly preferred.

• Strong organizational and self-management skills are necessary.

• Ability to prioritize and execute multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced, but supportive, environment is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.