The role is offered by the Woodwell Climate Research Center, a leading independent research organisation focused on climate science and solutions. The institution works at the intersection of climate systems, human societies, and natural ecosystems, producing evidence-based research to inform policy and drive urgent action on climate change. Woodwell Climate collaborates with governments, communities, and global partners to translate scientific findings into practical solutions that address environmental and social impacts of the climate crisis. The organisation is recognised for its applied research approach and its commitment to climate justice and sustainability. Role Summary The Sponsored Research Administrator is a full-time professional position within the Finance and Sponsored Research Office. The role supports Principal Investigators (PIs) in developing, preparing, and submitting high-quality research proposals to a range of funders, including federal agencies, private foundations, and other sponsors. The position is central to ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timeliness in research funding applications and serves as a key coordination point between internal research teams, external sponsors, and subrecipient institutions. The role combines administrative expertise, financial management, compliance oversight, and cross-organisational coordination within a fast-paced research environment. Core Responsibilities Proposal Development and Submission (Primary Function – 70%) The Sponsored Research Administrator plays a leading role in managing the proposal lifecycle for a portfolio of approximately 15 Principal Investigators and 40–50 annual submissions. Key responsibilities include: Reviewing funding solicitations and translating sponsor requirements into structured submission plans Developing detailed project budgets and budget justifications Ensuring accurate application of indirect cost rates, fringe benefits, and allowable expenses Coordinating required proposal components such as biosketches, data management plans, and facilities documentation Managing internal approval workflows and submission routing through grant systems Acting as liaison with external partners during the pre-award phase Resolving budgetary, compliance, and administrative issues with sponsors Supporting administrative processes such as no-cost extensions, PI changes, and award transfers Assisting with award close-out and transition to post-award financial management Tracking reporting deadlines and ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements This component of the role requires strong attention to detail, financial accuracy, and familiarity with complex funding structures. Subaward and Contract Coordination (15%) The role also supports management of subawards and collaborative research agreements across multiple institutions. Responsibilities include: Assisting in collecting subrecipient documentation, including letters of intent, scopes of work, budgets, and audit reports Supporting initial risk assessments of subrecipients in line with federal regulations Assisting in drafting and reviewing subaward agreements and amendments Ensuring compliance with eligibility and regulatory requirements under federal funding guidelines This function ensures that collaborative research partnerships are properly structured and compliant with funding rules. Systems, Compliance, and Research Administration (15%) The Sponsored Research Administrator contributes to maintaining robust compliance systems and institutional research infrastructure. Responsibilities include: Supporting researchers in the use of grant management systems, including profile updates and proposal modules Ensuring all submissions comply with sponsor and institutional requirements, particularly federal regulations such as Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) Maintaining accurate and audit-ready records in institutional databases Generating reports on proposal activity, submission metrics, and success rates Identifying and recommending improvements to research administration policies and workflows Supporting continuous improvement of pre- and post-award processes The role requires strong systems thinking and familiarity with research compliance frameworks. Technical Knowledge and Skills The position requires strong technical and administrative capabilities, including: Direct experience in pre-award research administration (minimum 2 years preferred) Strong understanding of federal research regulations, particularly 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools Experience with research and grant platforms such as Research.gov, Grants.gov, and NSPIRES Familiarity with grant management systems, particularly InfoEd Experience managing multi-institutional proposals and subawards Strong numerical accuracy and financial documentation skills Ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure Experience with professional research administration bodies such as NCURA or SRA is considered an advantage, as are certifications such as CRA or CPRA. Education and Experience Requirements Applicants are expected to have: A bachelor’s degree in business administration, research administration, or a related field At least two years of relevant professional experience in research administration, grants management, or a similar field Additional experience in academic or non-profit research environments is strongly preferred. Working Environment and Conditions The role is offered in a flexible work environment with hybrid or remote options depending on location. The position is full-time and salaried, with expectations aligned to a standard 40-hour workweek, although additional time may be required during peak submission periods. Key working conditions include: Hybrid, remote, or onsite work options in Falmouth, Massachusetts Full-time salaried exempt position High-volume proposal cycles with strict deadlines Collaborative work with multiple Principal Investigators and administrative stakeholders Exposure to federal, private, and international funding systems The role requires adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities in a deadline-driven environment. Strategic Importance of the Role The Sponsored Research Administrator plays a critical role in enabling climate science research by ensuring that funding proposals are accurately developed, compliant, and successfully submitted. The position directly supports the organisation’s ability to secure funding that underpins climate research initiatives. Key contributions include: Enabling timely and competitive grant submissions Ensuring compliance with complex funding regulations Supporting financial sustainability of climate research projects Strengthening institutional research administration systems Facilitating collaboration between researchers and funding bodies By managing the administrative and compliance backbone of research funding, the role helps ensure that scientific work can progress effectively. Organisational Context Woodwell Climate Research Center operates as a globally recognised climate science institution with a strong emphasis on applied research and policy relevance. The organisation employs over 100 staff and is located on a research campus in Massachusetts. Its mission is to advance climate science that informs urgent and meaningful solutions to climate change challenges. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.