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Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University’s research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.
There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).
OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP’s centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.
Position Summary
The Data Management Specialist is responsible for reviewing and processing budget loads for new awards, amendments, modifications, and budget revisions involving non-restricted funds. This role ensures accuracy and compliance by reviewing and analyzing information and identifying and resolving errors before entering data into the system – often exercising independent decision-making to meet deadlines. It also involves addressing complex scenarios and supporting the development of related processes and policies. The position performs financial analysis, generates reports to monitor and validate transactions, and maintains data integrity across systems. A high degree of accuracy is essential, as errors could result in financial loss for the University, audit disallowances, and reputational risk for the Office of Sponsored Programs.
In addition, the Data Management Specialist provides guidance and training to Award Management and Financial Reporting staff on budget loads, revisions, and account code selection. Serving as a subject matter expert for sponsored project data entry and system use, the role supports staff with questions and system needs, interprets relevant policies, contributes to the development and enhancement of research administration and financial management procedures, reports, and documentation. The position delivers high-quality, efficient service, focusing on customer satisfaction, actively collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, participating in committees, and ensuring the delivery of accurate and reliable financial information.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Entry-level with Masters; or Bachelors and 0-2 yrs experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and business practices, including the ability to analyze and report on financial data within complex financial systems.
- Ability to understand, interpret, and apply sponsor terms, conditions, and financial requirements related to research awards.
- Demonstrated strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with the ability to perform work accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to understand, interpret, and apply the fiscal requirements, terms, and conditions of many sponsoring agencies.
- Demonstrated strong customer service skills.
- Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences (e.g. PIs, department representatives, campus units, external partners).
- Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels, demonstrating professionalism, diplomacy, courtesy, and tact.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data from a complex financial system.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience in a university sponsored research office or equivalent setting.
- Experience with UNC-CH systems such as RAMSeS, ConnectCarolina, and Infoporte.
- Ability to perform high-volume data entry with a strong emphasis on touch typing and 10-key proficiency.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
