Senior Award Coordinator

The Senior Award Coordinator plays a critical role in the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) Office of Sponsored Programs by independently managing a complex portfolio of sponsored awards and non‑financial agreements from acceptance through ongoing administration. As a subject‑matter expert in sponsored programs, this position ensures alignment with federal, state, sponsor, and university requirements while applying advanced judgment and strong analytical skills to navigate high‑risk, high‑dollar, and multi‑year awards.

The role also serves the broader UTIA community by providing clear guidance, mentoring junior staff, and partnering with faculty and campus stakeholders to keep research moving forward.

While serving as a trusted expert in sponsored programs administration—managing and negotiating complex awards and agreements, ensuring end‑to‑end compliance, and supporting UTIA’s research mission through guidance, mentorship, and exceptional service.

• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with sponsor terms and conditions, U.S. regulations, Tennessee law, and University of Tennessee policies.
• Review, analyze, negotiate (as applicable), and process federal, private, and foundation awards and agreements.
• Negotiate and administer non‑financial agreements such as material transfer agreements and confidentiality agreements.
• Serve as a mentor and technical resource for Award Coordinators and other administrative staff.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members and share best practices and institutional knowledge.
• Serve as an escalation point for moderate to complex award and compliance issues and direct investigators to appropriate compliance offices (IRB, IACUC, Export Control, Biosafety).