University Programs Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sponsored Programs Specialist - 2588

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.
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.
Position Details
Position Information
Division
Academic Affairs
Department
Sponsored Research & Programs
Working Title
Sponsored Programs Specialist - 2588
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
Recruitment Range
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with Education and Experience
Position #
2588
FLSA Status
Exempt
Months per year
12
Is this a grant funded position?
No
If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable)
N/A
Primary Purpose of Organization Unit
The Office of Sponsored Research and Programs provides leadership, oversight, and support for externally funded research, scholarly activity, and institutional grant programs. OSRP facilitates the development, submission, negotiation, and management of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements; ensures compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations; and supports faculty and staff in securing external funding that advances the research, service, and academic mission of the university. The unit serves as the central coordinating office for pre-award and post-award administration and promotes collaborative partnerships that enhance the university's capacity for research and sponsored program activity.
Primary Purpose of Position
The Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) supports campus departments, sponsors, and subrecipients in the development and submission of extramurally funded proposals on behalf of UNCP. The position requires knowledge of grant proposal mechanisms, sponsor requirements, and submission processes in order to communicate regulations and provide administrative support for contracts and grants.
Job Description
The work performed by the Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) requires an understanding of the types of proposals and grant mechanisms used by funding agencies; the processes for application submission; and 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 with and assisting faculty members, staff, and administrators; acting as a subject-matter expert in research administration; conducting pre-award review and application submissions to ensure compliance with policies, laws, regulations, and agency guidelines; developing and reviewing budgets for allowability and financial compliance with 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 related to application submission. Work involves creating, integrating, applying, and sharing knowledge directly related to a professional field.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
• Excellent editing 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.

Management Preference
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated in-depth experience and expertise in delivering high-quality customer service to a diverse group of colleagues within the organization, the campus research community, and sponsor entities, with a focus on understanding customer needs, negotiating mutually beneficial workflows, establishing service expectations, and delivering accurate and complete services.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency required to perform the duties of the position; possesses knowledge of the profession; provides technical expertise to others; and uses cross-functional knowledge to support interdepartmental connections.
• Previous experience in research administration (pre-award, post-award, or a combination) as a grant or research administrator in a university or nonprofit setting.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials.

Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation
N/A
Posting Information
Job Opening Date
12/05/2025
Job Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Posting Category
Professional
Posting Number
EPA01079
Quick Link to Posting
https://jobs.uncp.edu/postings/12859
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.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. C V/Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Other Document
2. Other Document 2
3. Other Document 3
4. Other Document 4

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. *
   How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Agency Referral
   • American Librarian Association (ALA)
   • Association of Fundraising Professionals
   • BlacksInHigherEd.com
   • Career Builder
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Cosida
   • CUPA HR
   • Disabled in Higher Ed
   • Disability Website (Other)
   • Educause
   • Glassdoor
   • HigherEdJobs
   • Indeed
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
   • LinkedIn
   • Monster
   • NACUBO
   • NativeAmericansInHigherEd.com
   • Native Hire
   • NCAA Market
   • NC Works Online / One Stop Center
   • Newspaper
   • Personal Referral
   • Placement Exchange
   • SACUBO
   • Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM)
   • StudentAffairs.com
   • UNC Collaborative Website
   • UNC Pembroke Online Employment System
   • Veterans Advantage Jobs & Career Network
   • Veteran Website (Other)
   • VeteransInHigherEd.com
   • Vocational Rehab
   • Women in Higher Education
   • Website - Other
   
   
2. *
   Do you have Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credentials? If so, please add this information to your application or CV.
   • Yes
   • No