Assistant Director of Sponsored Program Agreements - UTIA

The Office of Sponsored Programs is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Assistant Director of Sponsored Program Agreements. This key leadership role oversees the negotiation and administration of sponsored agreements and subawards, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, university policies, and funding agency requirements. The Assistant Director will play a critical role in developing and refining policies, resolving complex proposal and agreement issues, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to streamline processes and align best practices across the UT System. The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about supporting research through strong administrative leadership.

In this role, the Assistant Director leads a dedicated team of award and subaward professionals, managing workload distribution, providing expert guidance, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations. The Assistant Director is responsible for reviewing and negotiating a wide variety of agreements—including monetary awards, material transfer agreements (MTAs), and confidentiality agreements (CDAs)—while delivering excellent customer service to faculty, department administrators, and other key stakeholders. This position requires a deep understanding of fiscal policy, research compliance areas such as IRB, IACUC, Export Control, and Biosafety, as well as agency-specific requirements. The ideal candidate will be someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about supporting research through strong administrative leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with 5 years experience in sponsored programs administration in an academic, research institute, foundation, or national laboratory environment.

• 2-5 years experience in contract negotiation.

Minimum Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven ability to review, critique, and analyze proposals and agreements for accuracy, completion, and compliance with policies and procedures 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced working environment 

• Detailed knowledge of federal regulations and costing principles including 2CFR200 and FAR

• Comprehensive knowledge of grant and contract regulations for major federal and state sponsors. 

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, manage several complex projects simultaneously, and meet time sensitive deadlines

• Strong verbal and written skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively 

• Detailed knowledge of pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration 

• Ability to motivate others and promote teamwork

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree plus 5 years experience in sponsored programs administration in an academic, research institute, foundation, or national laboratory environment.

• 5-10 years experience in contract negotiation.

Preferred/Desired Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• CRA certification preferred 

• Supervisory experience preferred

• Experience working in an academic institution, preferably a land-grant institution

• Experience working in Huron Grants and Agreements

Work Location 

• THIS POSITION CAN BE FULLY REMOTE, IN-PERSON, OR HYBRID. 

Compensation and Benefits 

UT market range: MR14

• Anticipated hiring range: The anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 to $105,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before May 15, 2025. 

• Please apply online with a cover letter, resume, and complete contact information of three professional references.

About The College/Department/Division 

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators by facilitating proposal preparation and submission; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting contracts; and managing awards. Additionally, OSP ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.

OSP is committed to the ongoing professional development of its team and actively supports attendance at organizations such as NCURA, SRAI, and other research administration associations.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. 

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.  

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.  

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.  

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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