Sponsored Programs Specialist - 3530

University of North Carolina at Pembroke; Pembroke (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Pembroke seeks a Sponsored Programs Specialist to support departments and sponsors in submitting extramural grant proposals. The role requires expertise in pre‑award review, budget development, and compliance with sponsor guidelines.

The position works within the Office of Sponsored Research & Programs to ensure timely submissions and accurate award setups, collaborating with faculty and staff to advance funded projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's with two years related experience.
• Strong proficiency in Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Support campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in submitting proposals for extramurally funded projects.
• Perform pre-award review and budget development for allowability and fiscal compliance.
• Communicate rules, regulations, and sponsor guidelines to faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
• Assist with contracts and grants administration and setup of incoming awards.

Skills

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in related field

Bachelor's degree + 2 years related experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Sponsored Programs Specialist - 3530

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Sponsored Research & Programs

Working Title: Sponsored Programs Specialist

Vacancy Type: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)

Min T/E Requirements: Master's degree in a related field or Bachelor's degree and two years related experience. Strong proficiency in Word and Excel software programs. Self-starter who can work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Ability to effectively facilitate teamwork with faculty and staff and relate professionally with local, regional and federal agencies, institutions and partners.

FTE: 1

Salary Range:

Hiring Range: $60,000 - $62,000

Position #: 3530

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months per Year: 12

Primary Purpose of Organization Unit:

The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP) provides direct support to faculty and staff applying for or receiving funding from an external sponsor (extramural funding).

OSRP serves as the central clearinghouse for all university grant proposals, contracts, and awards and offers pre-award administrative assistance and award setup to the campus community. OSRP is responsible for negotiation and acceptance of awards and for non-financial post-award support of awarded projects.

Primary Purpose of Position:

The Sponsored Programs Specialist (SPS) is responsible for supporting campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in a fast-paced, high volume team environment for the submission of proposals for extramurally funded projects on behalf of UNCP.

Job Description:

The Sponsored Programs Specialist (SPS) is responsible for supporting campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in a fast-paced, high volume team environment for the submission of proposals for extramurally funded projects on behalf of UNCP.

The work performed by the Sponsored Programs Specialist (SPS) requires an understanding of the types of proposals and grant mechanisms used by funding agencies, the processes for application submission, as well as the terms and conditions of each request for proposal. This knowledge is necessary in order to communicate rules, regulations, and procedures, to faculty members, staff, and stakeholders; as well as to provide support in contracts and grants administration.Duties include collaborating and assisting faculty members, staff, and administrators, acting as a subject-matter expert in research administration; pre-award review and application submissions ensuring compliance with policies, laws, and regulations, and agency guidelines; budget development/review for allowability and financial compliance with all sponsor specific requirements; and facilitating the setup of incoming awards.

The SPS will assist faculty members, staff, and stakeholders with developing sponsored programs and research proposals while following University policies pertaining to application submission. Work involves creating, integrating, applying, and sharing knowledge directly related to a professional field.

Management Preference:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Excellent editing skills and written communication skills.
• Ability to interpret, explain and apply complicated rules, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to work with personnel from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle stressful situations.
• Ability to learn quickly. Ability to work independently and as a team member.

Job Opening Date:

08/21/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Posting Category:

Professional

Posting Number:

EPA01166

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.