Contract/Grant Admin Lead

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma’s Office of Research Services seeks a Contract/Grant Admin Lead to support complex sponsored projects. You will supervise pre-award and non-financial post-award activities, work with Principal Investigators and central research administration teams, and lead proposal development and negotiations.

Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with sponsor rules, interpreting solicitations, and serving as a subject-matter expert and mentor in research administration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 48 months of sponsored program administration experience or equivalent in higher education.
• CRA or CRA-eligible certification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, preparation and submission of routine and complex proposals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements.
• Provide guidance to faculty and departments on research administration processes.
• Mentor staff and possibly act in lead or supervisory capacity including signatory authority.

Skills

Budget development

Proposal development

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pay Range:

Targeted salary range of from $70,000-$87,000/year, based on education and experience.

Benefits Eligible:

Yes

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)

Travel:

Not required

Position Introduction

Join the Office of Research Services (ORS) at the University of Oklahoma as a Contract/Grant Admin Lead, where you will play a key role in supporting complex sponsored research activities. This position provides independent, high-level support across pre-award and non-financial post-award administration for grants and contracts, working closely with Principal Investigators, departmental administrators, and central research administration teams. In this role, you will lead the development, preparation, and submission of routine and complex proposals, ensure compliance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements, and serve as a trusted advisor to faculty and departments on research administration processes. The position includes responsibilities such as interpreting sponsor solicitations, facilitating communication with sponsors, preparing documentation for negotiations and award acceptance, and ensuring the timely and accurate administration of sponsored projects. You may also act as a subject matter expert, mentor staff, and serve in a lead or supervisory capacity, including potential signatory authority for grants and awards. This role is based in a standard office work environment and requires strong analytical skills, independent decision-making, and the ability to manage a complex portfolio in a fast-paced research setting.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 48 months experience in sponsored program administration or related experience in an academic institution for higher education.

Equivalent/ Substitution:

Will accept 48 months of sponsored research experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree for a total of 96 months experience.

Required Certifications And Licenses

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or CRA-eligible

Department Preferences

• Experience supporting complex sponsored research portfolios in a university, hospital, or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and negotiate grant proposals, budgets, and contracts.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and university research policies.
• Experience collaborating directly with Principal Investigators and academic departments.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems and government submission platforms.
• Ability to interpret complex funding opportunity announcements (RFPs) and translate requirements for stakeholders.
• Proven strength in budget development and compliance-focused proposal review.
• Experience providing training, mentorship, or team leadership in research administration.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills in a multi-tasking environment.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check:

Yes