Senior Award Administrator

Iowa State University School of Education

Senior Award Administrator managing compliance and execution of contracts for Iowa State University. Collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure successful award administration.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeRemote • Iowa • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Independently review, analyze, develop, negotiate, and execute contracts and agreements
Ensure compliance with ISU internal policies, sponsor guidelines, and federal regulations
Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and grant coordinators
Analyze requests for subrecipient agreements including risk assessment and subrecipient monitoring
Communicate with faculty, staff, sponsors, and sub-recipients
Arrange and lead meetings to discuss award/subcontract terms and conditions
Ensure award and negotiation data are accurately entered into OSPA database systems
Collaborate with various university offices to ensure award compliance

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Advanced degree preferred
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred
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 with 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.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

contract negotiationgrant administrationrisk assessmentbudget reviewpost-award modificationstraining presentation creationsubrecipient monitoringcompliance analysisdata entryresearch compliance

Soft Skills

communicationcollaborationleadershipanalytical thinkingproblem-solvingorganizational skillsresourcefulnessinterpersonal skillsmeeting facilitationnegotiation

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeAdvanced degreeCertified Research Administrator (CRA)