Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements: UT Space Institute

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements. This position provides institutional-level leadership and oversight for research administration and sponsored programs activities supporting UTSI's growing portfolio of externally funded research. The role serves as a primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, research contract negotiation, award management, and service as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The position works closely with faculty, UTSI leadership, Finance, and University offices, including the Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development (ORIED), the University of Tennessee Research Foundation (UTRF), and the Office of General Counsel, to support externally funded research, ensure compliance with sponsor and University requirements, mitigate institutional risk, and provide effective service throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight of sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions.

• Serve as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification.

• Review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects within delegated authority.

• Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, state, nonprofit, and other sponsored agreements.

• Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including FAR/DFAR clauses, intellectual property provisions, publication rights, and sponsor-specific requirements.

• Analyze complex legal agreements, identify unacceptable or high-risk contractual language, and recommend or negotiate appropriate revisions consistent with University policy and applicable requirements.

• Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on intellectual property, invention disclosures, legal matters, and UTRF-related processes.

• Oversee subaward development, execution, monitoring, modifications, and related documentation.

• Provide guidance and support to faculty and research staff on proposal development, sponsor requirements, compliance matters, budgets, and contract terms.

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate sponsored programs staff; establish priorities and ensure efficient workflow management and service delivery.

• Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies, including applicable Uniform Guidance and federal contracting requirements.

• Participate in institutional and system-wide research administration initiatives and develop or improve processes that support research growth and reduce institutional risk.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in business, finance, administration, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or contract management, including demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, grants, or sponsored agreements.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

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

  • Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements

  • Ability to review and analyze proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance

  • Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines

  • Independent decision-making ability

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in a related field.

• Experience: 

  • Higher education or research environment experience

  • Supervisory or team leadership experience

  • Experience with intellectual property and UTRF-related processes

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of federal contracting regulations, including FAR/DFAR

  • Familiarity with electronic research administration and sponsor systems such as Cayuse, Grants.gov, Research.gov, and similar platforms

  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential preferred

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, Tennessee - University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI).

• Work arrangement: Hybrid eligibility. The position is based at UTSI and is expected to maintain a meaningful on-campus presence because of the leadership, faculty support, and collaborative responsibilities of the role. Specific remote-work arrangements will be determined in accordance with University policy and operational needs.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR14.

• Anticipated hiring range: $93,000 - $100,000

• The University of Tennessee offers a comprehensive benefits package and professional development opportunities.

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the materials noted below. 

• Resume

• Cover Letter

About The Division

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is a nationally recognized research institute supporting advanced research and education in aerospace, engineering, and applied sciences. UTSI partners with federal agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to drive innovation and research excellence.

Why Join UTSI

• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing research environment.

• Collaborative and mission-driven culture.

• Engagement with faculty, researchers, and external partners across multiple disciplines.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Tennessee offers an extensive list of development and training opportunities. The Volunteer employee experience supports a community and culture where employees can contribute, develop, and thrive while advancing the University's land-grant mission of learning, engagement, service, and leadership.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!