Job Summary
The Operations Team supports the University of Utah Office of
Sponsored Projects (OSP) through award management, compliance
oversight, and operational support for the research enterprise.
This role is responsible for assigned award management and subaward
processes, implementation of sponsor and regulatory requirements,
compliance readiness efforts, and coordination with institutional
and external partners.
This role develops and maintains operating procedures, oversees
operational reporting, provides training and guidance, monitors
regulatory changes, and leads process improvement initiatives. The
role serves as a subject matter expert for research administration
systems and operational processes, supports system governance
activities, and resolves complex operational and compliance
issues.
Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations, this role
supervises staff, supports professional development, and
collaborates with campus stakeholders to enhance OSP service
delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance
effectiveness.
This is a hybrid work opportunity.
The value of being an employee at the University of Utah goes far
beyond your base salary, so we encourage you to carefully consider
and compare our total package offer. This package includes a
variety of excellent employee benefits, including health care
coverage, retirement. plans, and paid leave time as well as other
valuable benefits, services, and programs such as tuition
reduction. One example is the U's retirement benefits which amount
to a 14.2% contribution in addition to your annual salary. You may
view the U's total compensation estimator to calculate the
approximate value of your total compensation at
www.hr.utah.edu/comp/totalcomp.php. If you have any questions on
how to use the estimator tool, please contact Human Resources at
[contact details available in the full listing].
Learn more about the great benefits of working for
University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu
The department may choose to hire at any of the below job
levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and
budget.
Responsibilities
- Support the administration and continuous improvement of OSP
research administration systems, business processes, user access,
and system controls.
Interpret sponsor, federal, and institutional requirements and
work with OSP leadership and campus partners to translate those
requirements into operational processes, procedures, system
controls, training, and monitoring activities.
Serve as a key operational partner, collaborating with internal
and external stakeholders, and campus departments to support
sponsored project administration activities.
Provide operational leadership across OSP teams in support of
compliance requirements, process optimization, performance metrics,
reporting, and strategic initiatives.
Supervise the Contract Administrators team responsible for
assigned award administration and subaward management activities,
ensuring efficient operations, high-quality service, compliance,
and achievement of departmental goals and key performance
indicators (KPIs).
Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and retention
efforts for team staff.
Manage team workload distribution and resource allocation to
ensure service delivery, appropriate leave coverage, and
operational continuity.
Establish performance expectations and support employee growth
through coaching, mentoring, and professional development
opportunities.
Foster a collaborative, service-focused, and high-performing
team environment through regular communication and ongoing
feedback.
Conduct performance evaluations and address employee
performance issues in accordance with university policies and
procedures.
Monitor operational trends and recommend process improvements
to enhance efficiency, consistency, compliance, and customer
service.
Assist leadership with data analysis, reporting, assessment of
operational performance, and implementation of departmental
initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
- Primarily office-based, with work performed in a standard
professional environment
Physical Requirements:
- Frequent sitting, speaking, listening, and computer use
- Occasional walking and repetitive hand motions
- Rare bending or reaching
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education
can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience
(Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work
experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job
levels:
Manager, Business Operations Analysis Management:
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or
equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Senior Manager, Business Operations Analysis
Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8
years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related
work experience.
Department Specific Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in research
administration within a university or academic setting
- Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal
regulations related to grants and contracts, including Uniform
Guidance
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex
policies and apply them to real-world scenarios across the project
lifecycle
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication
skills
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential (at time of
hire or obtained within one year of hire)
Preferences
- Supervisory or people management experience - 2 years
preferred
Additional Skills and Competencies:
- Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to
detail
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced,
deadline-driven environment
- Demonstrated commitment to customer service and stakeholder
support
- Proactive approach to process improvement and organizational
change
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn
institutional systems
Special Instructions
Requisition Number: PRN46071B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Hybrid Work Schedule: Minimum of 24
hours (3 business days) a week in the office. Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Department: 00644 - Office of Sponsored Projects
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: $75,398 - $100,000
Close Date: 10/01/2026
Open Until Filled:
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/9797450"">https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/208390
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