Hiring Salary $70,000 to $75,000 annually
This position acts as a primary contact between Principal Investigators and Sponsored Research on the identification, development, review, submission and subsequent administration of grants and contracts. This position supports researchers by preparing budget projections, developing materials for compliance analysis, and advising the researchers concerning the review of the proposals by Sponsored Research. This position requires the knowledge of federal sponsor agency guidelines and regulations (NSF, NIH, NEH, etc.), OMB Uniform Guidance, and private sponsor agency (private foundation, corporate) guidelines. In addition, this position must interpret and apply varied Federal, State, and University policies and regulations through the entire proposal and contract process. After awards are made the position provides guidance to researchers on administrative steps such as setting up accounts, reconciling the projects on a regular basis, reviewing and approving invoices and financial reports prepared by Sponsored Research, preparing expenditure transfers and override requests with supporting justification, and reviewing the final reconciliation of the projects prepared by Sponsored Research.
The Unit Research Administrator II is distinguished from the Unit Research Administrator I classification by the increased complexity and volume of assigned awards administered. In addition, the Unit Research Administrator II may supervise, train and support assigned staff.
Proposal Development and Pre-Award:
Works closely with faculty in the development of proposals while ensuring compliance with applicable sponsor, University Sponsored Research, Foundation and College of Education regulations, guidelines and processes. Provides technical assistance to facilitate the development of grant proposals and assists faculty with submitting proposals to various agencies. Assists in critical review, writing, and editing of research proposal. Calculates budgets and ensures inclusion of all appropriate and required elements including direct and indirect costs, cost share, program income, etc. Assists in developing budget justifications, review of sub-recipient budgets and justifications, and ensures accurate completion of sponsor application forms and Bulls iResearch.
Post Award Management:
Responsible for the oversight and support to Principal Investigators, project staff, and COEDU administration in the following areas of post-award management. Awards underwrite accounts properly assessing risk; prepares and oversees award setup; develops and modifies as necessary sub-recipient agreements; processes all financial transactions including payroll distribution monitoring and cost transfers; work with department Chair/staff on resource commitments to confirm available funds for hiring projected personnel funded by grants/contracts. Coordinate with department staff on preparing hiring documents and processing of grant paid tuition payments; monitors effort reporting process; identifying and tracks cost sharing and matching requirements and documentation; assists with obtaining sponsor approvals for non-budgeted financial transactions or changes; preparation of monthly ledgers and reconciliation reports; annual and award financial closeouts; assists with responses to audits and post-project requests. Reconcile projects, research initiative accounts, start-up, retention, and carry-forward accounts on a monthly basis.
Policy Compliance and Collaboration:
Attend ongoing training, meetings and workshops to stay current on all grant policies and procedures. Collaborates with other research personnel for best practices and represents the college and/or department on committees and communicates pertinent information to departments.
Supervision:
This position provides the opportunity to supervise, mentor, and support assigned staff and/or student employees. May be responsible for providing day-to-day direction, delegating tasks, monitoring work performance, and ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures. Responsibilities may also include participating in the hiring and onboarding process, providing training and conducting performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. The level of supervisory responsibility may vary depending on departmental needs and assignment.
Minimum Qualifications:
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of professional administrative experience; or a Master’s degree. Progressively responsible related experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
• Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
• (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
• (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
• (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
• (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
• (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration/Accounting/Finance, or closely related field. 1 year of grant research or grant research administration experience, and knowledge of USF business systems and policies.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
