Sparcs Program Specialist

Posting Number:

PG193827SP

Internal Recruitment:

No

Working Title:

SPARCS Program Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range:

$51,986 – $58,000

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Job Location:

Raleigh, NC

Department:

Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS)

About the Department:

The The Offices of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS) at NC State University serves as the administrative hub for all sponsored contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements awarded to the institution. Led by an Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration, the team negotiates legal terms, manages compliance with federal and state regulations, and oversees pre-award and post-award aspects of externally sponsored research projects. SPARCS facilitates proposal submissions, agreement negotiations, and subaward administration, ensuring optimal stewardship of external funds and regulatory compliance across various administrative bodies within the university.
In addition to managing sponsored research, SPARCS collaborates closely with external sponsors, including federal, state, and private entities, to identify funding opportunities and foster coordination. The program also partners with the Office of Technology Transfer to facilitate licensing agreements for intellectual property, ensuring NC State University remains positioned for commercial application. Furthermore, SPARCS takes primary responsibility for regulatory compliance in areas such as human and animal subjects, conflicts of interest, export controls, and research integrity, aiming to provide ongoing education and reduce regulatory burdens for faculty and staff while upholding its commitment to achieve respect, leadership, compliance, improvement, and excellence throughout its operations.
The SPARCS motto is to Achieve:

• respect by knowing our clientele
• leadership through service
• compliance through facilitation
• improvement by seeking feedback
• excellence through caring
  

This pledge extends to the sponsors who enable research and scholarly productivity, as well as to the faculty and staff who create and transfer the knowledge and scholarship that epitomizes the very core of our great institution.
Essential Job Duties:

We’re seeking a University Program Specialist to join our dynamic team at Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance (SPARCS). In this role, you’ll be instrumental in managing the technical review and processing of Project Modification Requests (PMRs) within our electronic PMR system, ensuring accuracy and adherence to established guidelines and protocols.
What does success in this role look like? You’ll need a blend of technical proficiency in managing electronic systems, a solid grasp of research administration processes, and excellent communication skills to ensure seamless operations within our university’s research administration framework.
Key Responsibilities:

• Efficiently process subawards, action descriptions, and financial details in electronic systems.
• Ensure timely distribution of award notices within 24 hours.
• Serve as a reliable backup for the Manager of Operations.
• Stay updated on sponsor automated systems like Grants.gov and FastLane.
• Delegate tasks effectively based on thorough review.
• Maintain optimal accuracy in PMR transactions.
• Manage PMRs, upload award packages, and maintain progress journals.
• Ensure timely processing of project assignments and modifications.
• Maintain accurate documentation in RED and Electronic PMR System.
• Collaborate with contracting officers and sponsors for effective communication.
• Provide critical support to the PINS helpline and offer assistance to sponsors.
  

If you’re ready to be a part of a team that’s dedicated to facilitating groundbreaking research while upholding the highest standards of compliance and efficiency, then we want to hear from you!
Other Responsibilities:

• Properly handles non-funded projects accordingly.
• Serves as a temporary backup for all processors.
• Complete surplus requests of unneeded NC State property.
• Complete interdepartmental transfers as necessary for SPARCS.
• Create journal entries for misapplied transactions.
• Use MarketPlace to complete purchasing and receiving through PeopleSoft Financials.
• Use WolfReports to monitor expenditures for SPARCS and create Excel reports for general or specific expenditures on request.
• Complete procurements through requisitions and P-Card reconciliation.
• Enter and approve travel authorizations/reimbursements for SPARCS employees.
• Enter voucher information into PS Financials for invoices and/or employee personal reimbursements to be paid via check.
• Manage requesting and sending parking permits for meetings and inspections, as needed.

Minimum Experience/Education:

Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications:

• Proficiency in coordinating and administering programs/projects, managing resources and budgets, and handling contracts and grants.
• Ability to monitor activities, assess risk, ensure quality control, and stay updated with developments in the field.
• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with contracting officers, sponsors, research officials, faculty, and internal stakeholders through various mediums.
• Capacity to analyze program information, ensure compliance with regulations, and make informed decisions aligned with program objectives.
• Demonstrated capability to evaluate, summarize, and interpret data related to business operations and financial statements.
• Strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail, ensuring correctness, completeness, and accuracy in all tasks performed.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of the following systems or systems similar to these:

• Research Enterprise Data (RED),
• Project Information and Navigation System (PINS),
• Electronic system for Project Modification Requests (PMR) and
• coordination for various systems.

Required License or Certification:

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required:

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?:

No

Job Open Date:

02/14/2024

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.):

02/21/2024

Notice to Applicants:

Please make sure the work history listed on your application matches the work history listed on your resume.

Special Instructions:

Applicants should upload the following with their application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Contact information of three professional references, including email addresses and phone numbers.

Position Number:

00110627

Position Type:

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title:

University Program Specialist

Position Classification Band Level:

Journey

Position Classification Salary Range:

$31,888 - $80,223

Salary Grade Equivalency:

GN11

Alternate Option:

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.0

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position:

No

Department Id:

060101 - Office of Research & Innovation (ORI)

AA/EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.