Sponsored Projects Administrator - Heinz College - Business and Research Services
The Office of Business and Research Services is seeking a highly motivated and diligent Sponsored Projects Administrator. Reporting to the Manager of Research and Sponsored Projects, you will play a critical role in handling the post-award administration of a diverse portfolio of sponsored projects. This includes sponsored research, sponsored instruction, other sponsored projects, and gift awards/grants funded by government contracts, foundations, and corporate entities. If you possess a strong interest in the financial intricacies of grants and awards and thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment, this is an exceptional opportunity for you.
Your Core Responsibilities Will Include:
Providing timely and accurate financial analysis and forecasting for a variety of sponsored projects.
Assisting in the interpretation, implementation, development, and reinforcement of departmental and university policies and procedures related to grant and gift funding.
Generating comprehensive accounting, financial, and management reports for sponsored projects.
Diligently monitoring expenditures, processing payment approvals, and reconciling human subject payments.
Taking the lead in sponsored project reconciliation and collaborating with faculty to ensure accurate and timely account closeouts.
Engaging in culturally-responsive collaboration with colleagues across campus to resolve complex post-award issues related to labor allocation, accounting, and other related matters.
Providing support to the Manager of Sponsored Projects with proposal submissions and other projects as needed.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
A strong command of accounting and budgeting principles, enabling effective monitoring of diverse sponsored funding portfolios.
Proficiency in using various data and IT sources to prepare and disseminate clear financial reports to research faculty and staff.
A high degree of technical proficiency in MS Excel.
Well-developed analytical, problem-solving, and reasoning abilities.
Excellent culturally adaptable written and verbal communication, along with strong oral presentation skills.
Outstanding attention to detail and a dedication to accuracy.
We value diversity, flexibility, and passion within Heinz College. Inclusion, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness are valued skills at Carnegie Mellon. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who can collaboratively engage with Heinz and campus-wide community members at a high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity, care, and integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required; equivalent
A combination of education and/or experience may be considered
At least one (1) year of sponsored research administration experience and/or one (1) year of accounting experience required
Three (3) years of sponsored research administration, accounting, or related experience preferred
Prior experience with federal proposal development and awards administration (NSF and NIH) is strongly preferred
Requirements:
Successful background check
Additional Information:
Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence 3 days a week. Able to work up to 5 days on-site during provisional period.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Research AdministrationPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
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Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
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Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
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