Lead Contract/Grant Administrator

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma Office of Research Services seeks a Lead Contract/Grant Administrator to independently manage complex pre-award and non-financial post-award activities for sponsored grants and contracts.

This position partners closely with faculty investigators, department administrators, sponsors, and university offices to develop, review, and submit competitive proposals while ensuring compliance with requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• CRA certification or CRA-eligible preferred.
• Minimum 48 months experience in sponsored program administration or related experience in higher education.
• Equivalent substitution: 48 months sponsored research experience can substitute for degree.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or CRA-eligible

Tools

Advanced Excel

Electronic proposal systems

Job description

Pay Range: Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, Standard/Fixed Schedule

Travel: Not required

Position Introduction

The Office of Research Services is seeking a highly skilled Lead Contract/Grant Administrator to independently support complex pre-award and non-financial post-award activities for sponsored grants and contracts. This position partners closely with faculty investigators, department administrators, sponsors, and university offices to develop, review, and submit competitive proposals while ensuring compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university requirements. The successful candidate will provide expert guidance on research administration, proposal development, budgeting, award management, regulatory interpretation, and sponsored project compliance, while serving as a trusted resource for investigators and departments. Qualified applicants must possess a bachelor's degree, a preference for a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification, and at least four years of sponsored programs, research administration, or related experience in a higher education or research environment (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage a complex portfolio of work independently, are essential. Experience in university research administration, electronic proposal systems, and advanced Excel skills are preferred.

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 with federal sponsors (NSF, NIH, DoD, NASA, DOE)
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance)

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes