Senior Manager, Sponsored Programs & Contracts (Hybrid)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Tullahoma (TN); Hybrid; USD 93,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in Tullahoma, TN, seeks a Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements to lead pre-award and post-award activities. You will serve as the AOR, review and commit institutional resources, and lead negotiations for diverse sponsored projects while collaborating with UTRF, ORIED, and GOC to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

This role requires 6–8 years in sponsored programs or contract management, a strong understanding of

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or contract management.
• Detailed knowledge of pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration.
• Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements.
• Ability to review and analyze proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Independent decision-making ability.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions.
• Serve as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification.
• Review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects within delegated authority.
• Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, state, nonprofit, and other sponsored agreements.
• Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including FAR/DFAR clauses, IP provisions, publication rights, and sponsor requirements.
• Analyze complex legal agreements, identify unacceptable or high-risk language, and recommend revisions consistent with policy and requirements.
• Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on IP and related processes.
• Oversee subaward development, execution, monitoring, and documentation.
• Guide faculty and staff on proposal development, sponsor requirements, compliance, budgets, and contract terms.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate sponsored programs staff; manage workflow and service delivery.

Skills

Pre- and post-award administration

Federal regulations knowledge

Proposal analysis

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/administration

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Cayuse

Grants.gov

Research.gov

Job description

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) in Tullahoma, TN, seeks a Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements to lead pre-award and post-award activities. You will serve as the AOR, review and commit institutional resources, and lead negotiations for diverse sponsored projects while collaborating with UTRF, ORIED, and GOC to ensure compliance and risk mitigation.

This role requires 6–8 years in sponsored programs or contract management, a strong understanding of