Sponsored Programs Administrator I — Contract & Grant/Sponsored Pgms Admin I

Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Sponsored Programs Administrator I to support grant budgeting, compliance, and proposal processing. The role involves reviewing funding opportunity announcements, ensuring accurate budgets, and preparing documents for signature and sponsor submission.

Remote-friendly work environment with opportunity for collaboration across MSU units. A four-year degree in business or related field and familiarity with grant regulations are preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of grant compliance and regulations.
• Experience with KR/Kuali Research workflow and sponsor portals.
• Familiarity with budget documents, indirect cost rates, and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Solicitant and budget review of funding opportunities and grant documents for compliance.
• Prepare and review proposal documents for MSU signature; submit electronic applications per sponsor guidelines.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and job shadowing to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Provide administrative support; communicate with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, subrecipients, and sponsors.
• Resolve issues related to proposals and ensure timely, accurate processing with MSU units.

Skills

Grant regulations

KR/Kuali Research

Microsoft Office

Remote work setup

Award terms interpretation

Budget documents & indirect cost

Written & verbal communication

Time management

multitasking

Education

Bachelors in Business Administration

Tools

KR (Kuali Research)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Sponsored Programs Administrator I

Position Summary

This position (AP11) requires strong analytical skills, adaptability, and effective communication, with a commitment to accuracy, compliance, and customer service in research administration.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Solicitation and Budget Review - 30%: With guidance from supervisor or team mentors, review funding opportunity announcements and grant documents to ensure acceptable language. Assist with interpretation of agency and university policies for compliance. Review research budgets for accuracy and adherence to policy requirements
• Proposal Preparation and Submission 30%: With guidance from supervisor or team mentors, prepare and review proposal documents for MSU signature authorization. Submit electronic applications according to sponsor guidelines.
• Professional Development and Training 25%: Attend team meetings and individual one-on-one meetings with manager, professional development trainings, and job shadowing opportunities to increase knowledge and enhance skills.
• Administrative Support 10%: Written and verbal communications with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, central administration, subrecipients, and sponsors.
• Issue Resolution and Sponsor Communication 5%: With guidance from supervisor or team mentors, resolve issues related to pending or submitted proposals. Communicate with MSU departments/colleges and low-risk external sponsors to ensure timely and accurate proposal processing.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business Administration with course work in Business Law and Accounting; up to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in Accounting; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Desired Skills:

• Familiarity with federal grant regulations and compliance standards.
• Experience with KR (Kuali Research) system and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to work in remote systems with appropriate IT setups (laptop, docking station, monitors).
• Ability to interpret award terms and conditions.
• Understanding of budget documents, indirect cost rates, and risk assessment practices. Strong written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized; excellent time management and multitasking.

Desired Experience:

• Experience in research administration.
• Experience with research proposal development or administrative support is preferred.

Preferred Certifications — Preference for applicants that currently possess the following training/certifications:

• Training in KR/systems, sponsor portals, and university policies is mandatory upon hire.
• Completion of MSU Essentials of Research Administration (ERA) series mandatory upon hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, cover letter and three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

HTTPS://CGA.MSU.EDU/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 17, 2026, 11:55 PM