Details

Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 5:00 and flexible around core hours.
Hybrid option after initial training period.

The University of Utah is one of the nations premier public research universities, with more than $700 million in annual research expenditures and a strategic trajectory toward $1 billion. The Office of Research Management & Compliance ( RMC) serves as the University’s central post-award finance and compliance unit, ensuring that research funding is managed in accordance with federal, sponsor, and institutional requirements while supporting the university’s mission of discovery, innovation, and impact.

RMC partners closely with the Office of Sponsored Projects, the Controllers Office, and college- and institute-level research administration teams to deliver financial stewardship, compliance oversight, and operational excellence across the post-award lifecycle. As the university’s research enterprise continues to grow, RMC is modernizing its systems, reimagining its service model, and investing in its people and process improvements to support sustainable expansion and innovation.

The Senior Grants & Contracts Officer ( GCO) is a first-line supervisory role responsible for the day-to-day oversight of sponsored project financial management activities for an assigned portfolio of colleges, institutes, or departments. Reporting to the Senior Manager for Financial Research Administration, this position provides both tactical and operational leadership to a team of 3-8 staff members responsible for project billing, financial reconciliation and reporting, and sponsor liaison functions within the university’s post-award environment.

The Senior GCO plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with sponsor and university requirements, fostering a culture of accountability and service excellence, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the department. This position also contributes to maintaining strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external sponsors.
RMC is committed to cultivating an environment of respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

The ideal candidate will bring experience in grants and contracts accounting and will be comfortable managing a diverse and balanced workload of project management responsibilities while overseeing team operations.

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership and mentorship

ability.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to

foster collaboration across central and college-level units.

Proficiency with large-scale financial systems, data analytics, and

reporting tools; ability to translate data into actionable insights that
inform decisions.

Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the

ability to work effectively in a complex, matrixed environment.

Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CRACFRA, CGFM).

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu


https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.