[Hiring] Senior Award Administrator @Iowa State University

Role Description

Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that allows you to build strong relationships throughout the organization? If so, the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) at Iowa State University is currently seeking candidates for a Senior Award Administrator, which will be classified as a Research Administrator III!

What You'll Do:

• Independently review, analyze, develop, negotiate, and execute a wide variety of contracts and agreements under signature authority delegated by the Director of OSPA.
• Ensure compliance with ISU internal policies, sponsor guidelines, and federal regulations (2 CFR 200, FAR, DFAR).
• Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and grant coordinators in the administration of such contracts and agreements.
• Analyze requests for subrecipient agreements including risk assessment and subrecipient monitoring.
• Independently develop, negotiate, and execute subcontracts and subcontract amendments off ISU prime contracts/agreements under delegated signature authority.
• Communicate with faculty, staff, sponsors, and sub-recipients on the pre and post-award management of contracts, agreements, and subcontracts.
• Arrange and lead meetings to discuss award/subcontract terms and conditions as well as strategies for negotiating or developing contracts, agreements, and subcontracts.
• Ensure award and negotiation data are accurately entered into OSPA database systems to enable ISU’s administration to create accurate reports.
• Collaborate with Offices of University Counsel, Research Ethics, Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, Sponsored Programs Accounting, Procurement Services, Information Technology, Risk Management, and others to ensure award compliance with sponsor and ISU policies.
• Provide just-in-time guidance or materials for understanding and implementing sponsor-specific regulations and requirements.

The successful candidate has the ability to work on-site in Ames if they prefer. This is a three-year, fixed-term position.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
• Experience negotiating grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.
• Experience applying the concepts embodied in the Code of Federal regulations including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience that demonstrates knowledge of research administration software systems.
• Experience with budget review and post-award modifications.
• Experience creating and delivering training presentations and materials.
• General knowledge of research compliance requirements including human/animal subjects, conflict of interest, export controls, and foreign influence.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental.
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.
• WorkFlex options for some positions.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Appointment Type

• Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
• Proposed End Date or Length of Term: July 5, 2029
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period
• Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS810
• Original Posting Date: May 22, 2026
• Posting Close Date: June 7, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R19266