Position Title:
Award Administrator
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that allows you to build strong relationships throughout the organization?
If so, the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) at Iowa State University is currently seeking candidates for an Award Administrator, which will be classified as a Research Administrator II!
What You'll Do:
Review, set-up, and manage sponsored research awards, agreements, and amendments.
Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, university policies, and applicable regulations.
Review and approve post-award requests, budget revisions, and funding actions.
Develop and submit post-award prior-approval requests to sponsors.
Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff on research administration matters.
Coordinate award transfers, pre-award spend requests, and other post-award activities.
Develop, negotiate, and administer subaward agreements and related monitoring activities.
Review and process internal funding awards and related compliance requirements.
Collaborate with campus partners to support sponsored project administration and research operations.
Assist with process improvement initiatives, policy development, and training efforts.
Maintain accurate records and documentation within research administration systems.
The successful candidate has the ability to work on-site in Ames if they prefer.
This is a three year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
Experience administering grants, contracts and cooperative agreements.
Experience applying the concepts embodied in the Code of Federal regulations including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), and other federal and non-federal sponsor-specific regulations.
Experience that demonstrates knowledge of research administration software systems.
Experience with budget review, re-budgeting, 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.
Department Description:
The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) promotes and facilitates the research, education, and outreach missions of Iowa State University by supporting and administering research and sponsored programs. OSPA is the central point of coordination for research and sponsored programs and the University’s authorized representative for grants, contracts and other agreements from external sponsors. The goal of OSPA is to deliver high quality services in an efficient and professional manner in compliance with sponsor rules and regulations. For more information, please visit OSPA.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
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
Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
October 18, 2029
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS808
Original Posting Date:
September 8, 2026
Posting Close Date:
September 20, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19907
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
