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 Research Contracts & Sponsored Programs Lead. This position provides institutional-level leadership and oversight for all research administration and sponsored programs activities, supporting UTSI's growing portfolio of externally funded research. This role serves as the primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, contract negotiation, and award management. The position also serves as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with the authority to review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects. The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, UTSI leadership, Finance, and UT System offices, including ORIED, UTRF, and the Office of General Counsel, to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support research growth. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in business, finance, administration, or a related field Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or contract management Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, grants, or sponsored agreements Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements related to research administration Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment 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 Master's degree in a related field Experience working in higher education or a research environment Knowledge of federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR) Experience working with intellectual property and UTRF-related processes Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential Supervisory or team leadership experience Familiarity with systems such as Cayuse, Grants.gov, or Research.gov Work Location .

Location:

Tullahoma, TN Onsite Compensation and Benefits UT market range: MR14 Anticipated hiring range: $85,000 - $100,000 Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here Find more information on UT Benefits here Application Instructions To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments: Resume Cover Letter About UTSI 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 Provide leadership and oversight of all sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions Serve as UTSI's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, and non-profit contracts Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including

FAR/DFAR

clauses, intellectual property provisions, and sponsor-specific requirements Analyze and assess contractual risk, identifying and resolving high-risk or non-compliant terms Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on intellectual property and legal matters Oversee subaward development, execution, and monitoring Provide guidance and support to faculty on proposal development, compliance requirements, and contract terms Supervise and mentor sponsored programs staff and ensure efficient workflow management Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies Participate in institutional and system-wide research administration initiatives