Sponsored Programs Specialist

The SPS's duties include, but are not limited to; review of proposals and awards for compliance with VUMC and sponsor policies. The SPS collaborates with departmental staff and faculty as well as with sponsoring agencies to provide updated information on requests of applications or awards such as just-in-time, prior approvals, no-cost-extensions, re-budget requests and other supplemental material. He or she provides advice and guidance to researchers and administrators on the application of grant funding policies, regulations, and procedures and serves as liaison between the department and funding agencies on various issues pertaining to proposals, awards, and /or budgets. The SPS maintains specialized databases and systems for recording and tracking grant proposals, awards, and related statistical information. The SPS contributes to and supports a team environment.

• Reviews grant proposals in line with sponsor submission guidelines ensuring compliance with both internal and external requirements.
• Assist departmental staff involved in grants administration by serving as a subject matter expert, interpreting and providing guidance on VUMC policies and sponsor regulations.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of Federal Circulars and applicable sponsor updates to the administration of each award.
• Independently keep abreast of changes or updates in sponsored project terms and conditions and VUMC policies and procedures as they relate to establishment/maintenance of the sponsored project.
• Negotiate sponsored research agreements, primarily with foundations, which includes performing detailed, thorough review and analysis of the draft award.
• Serve as liaison/customer service representative between departmental staff, faculty and the sponsor for inquiries and modification/prior approval requests.
• Contributes in providing OSP resources to help faculty and staff with proposal and award management activities. (i.e. OSP blog communications, website material and updates, checklists, insights to best practice, focused staff training)
• Regularly review award files for closeout and follow up on outstanding items with departmental personnel and faculty to ensure that all award requirements are met.
• Other duties as required.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Must be organized
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are critical
• Demonstrated ability to work both as a member of a team and independently
• Demonstrated ability to work under the pressure of hard deadlines and competing priorities

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:

• Proficient and excellent knowledge of commonly used software packages (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe and email programs)
• Must have the ability to learn in detail sponsor specific electronic grants management systems (i.e., grants.gov, eBRAP, NIH eRA Commons and ASSIST, NSF Fastlane) in addition to VUMC specific ERA systems (Coeus, PEER, eDiscovery, ARIES)

CORE CAPABILITIES:

• Must have knowledge of federal regulations and non-federal agency practices governing sponsored research
• Independently identifies and provides ad hoc problem solving

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