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

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University is seeking a Sponsored Programs Administrator I to manage subaward processing, review awards, and ensure sponsor compliance. The role requires strong multitasking, attention to detail, and excellent communication with faculty and sponsors.

Responsibilities include drafting subawards, performing validations, negotiating terms, and coordinating with the post-award team. Remote-friendly with standard hours; MSU emphasizes compliance and professional development.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in business/administration with exposure to legal/compliance concepts.
• Experience or familiarity with federal grant regulations and sponsor requirements.
• Ability to interpret complex award terms and negotiate subaward documentation.

Responsibilities

• Subaward Processing: draft, negotiate, and document subawards; perform validations and risk assessments for compliance.
• Award Review & Processing: review and negotiate research/education agreements; route for signature and transfer to post-award.
• Administrative Tasks: communicate with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, subrecipients, and sponsors.
• Issue Resolution: address low-complexity problems with guidance from supervisor.
• Training & Professional Development: participate in annual training and cross-training opportunities.

Skills

Federal grant regulations

Kuali Research (KR) system

Microsoft Office

Interpret award terms

Budget documents & indirect costs

Risk assessment

Written & verbal communication

Time management & multitasking

Education

Four-year college degree in Business Administration with coursework in Business Law and Accounting

Tools

Kuali Research (KR) system

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working/Functional Title

Sponsored Programs Administrator I

Position Summary

This position (AP11) requires strong multitasking skills, attention to detail, and effective communication to ensure award and subaward accuracy, timely processing, and sponsor compliance.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Subaward Processing – 60%: Draft and negotiate subawards including compiling, preparing, and drafting subaward documentation. Perform subrecipient validations including Visual Compliance check, federal verification, audit review, and risk assessment to ensure compliance. Review budgets and related subaward documents for accuracy.
• Award Review & Processing – 15%: Review and negotiate research, public service, and education agreements to ensure consistency with MSU and sponsor requirements. Route award for signature, finalize, and complete award setup/transfer to post award team.
• Administrative Tasks – 15%: Written and verbal communications with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, central administration, subrecipients, and sponsors.
• Issue Resolution – 5%: Resolve low complexity problems concerning awards and subawards with manager guidance.
• Training & Professional Development – 5%: Discussions with team members and manager; complete required annual training requirements and internal cross training, when available.

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 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.
  • Familiarity with award and subaward processing in academic or research institutions.

• Preferred Certifications:
  • Training via MSU and national organizations recommended.
  • No specific certification required but CRA or equivalent is beneficial.

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 October 6, 2026, 11:55 PM