Lead Administrator Sponsored Programs

Role and Responsibilities

We are hiring a Lead Sponsored Programs Administrator to join our Sponsored Programs Office. This is a senior individual contributor role for candidates with significant experience in sponsored programs administration, supporting full lifecycle award management and complex compliance activities.

• Perform full lifecycle sponsored programs administration for assigned awards, from proposal through closeout.
• Prepare proposal budgets and support proposal development, including coordination with Principal Investigators (PIs) and compliance review.
• Review award documents for accuracy and compliance; analyze terms and conditions and support negotiation and acceptance activities.
• Capture award modifications, prior approvals, and sponsor communications.
• Track reporting requirements and support timely preparation and submission in accordance with sponsor guidelines.
• Maintain financial activity to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and compliant with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Analyze financial reports, identify trends, and communicate award status and projections to PIs.
• Coordinate subaward processes, including documentation review, risk assessment support, and monitoring activities.
• Serve as a subject matter resource on sponsored programs regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Provide guidance and informal training to colleagues on processes, tools, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and escalate potential compliance issues and support audit and review activities as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of systems and tools used in sponsored programs administration.

Experience, Skills & Qualifications

• Education – Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field required. Seven (7) or more years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly with complex awards and regulatory requirements.
• Years of Experience – Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs or research administration, preferably including federal grants.
• Demonstrated experience in full lifecycle sponsored programs administration, including proposal development, award management, and closeout.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and sponsor-specific terms and conditions.
• Skills – Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial tracking, analysis, and reporting. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and identify risks or trends. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex regulatory and financial information clearly. High attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in compliance-driven environments. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of awards. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with PIs, staff, and external partners. Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200) in a practical, operational context. Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, training, and knowledge-sharing to colleagues.

Benefits

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) offers an excellent and generous benefits package, including tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules, and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: here.

To Apply

Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by June 24, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.