The Woodwell Climate Research Center is a top-tier independent research organization dedicated to tackling climate change. Their work bridges climate science and solutions, focusing on how climate systems interact with our societies and ecosystems. They produce research that informs policy and drives action on critical climate issues.
Woodwell collaborates with governments and communities to turn scientific insights into practical solutions for environmental and social challenges brought on by climate change. Known for their emphasis on real-world applications, they are committed to climate justice and sustainability.
Role Overview
The Sponsored Research Administrator is a full-time role within the Finance and Sponsored Research Office. This position is key to assisting Principal Investigators (PIs) in crafting, preparing, and submitting research proposals to various funders, from federal agencies to private foundations.
This role ensures that research funding applications are accurate, timely, and in compliance with regulations. It acts as a bridge between internal research teams, external sponsors, and partner institutions.
Core Responsibilities
Proposal Development and Submission (70% of the role)
The Sponsored Research Administrator oversees the proposal process for about 15 PIs and manages roughly 40-50 submissions each year. Key tasks include:
- Reviewing funding solicitations and creating structured submission plans.
- Developing detailed budgets and justifications.
- Ensuring compliance with indirect cost rates and allowable expenses.
- Coordinating necessary proposal components like biosketches and data management plans.
- Managing internal approval workflows for grant systems.
- Acting as the point of contact with external partners during the proposal phase.
- Resolving compliance and budget issues with sponsors.
- Supporting administrative tasks such as award transfers.
- Tracking reporting deadlines to ensure sponsor compliance.
Attention to detail and financial accuracy are crucial in this role.
Subaward and Contract Coordination (15%)
This role also involves managing subawards and cooperative research agreements. Responsibilities include:
- Collecting necessary documentation from subrecipients.
- Conducting initial risk assessments in line with federal regulations.
- Assisting in drafting and reviewing subaward agreements.
- Ensuring compliance with funding guidelines.
These tasks ensure that collaborative partnerships follow all necessary funding rules.
Systems, Compliance, and Research Administration (15%)
The Sponsored Research Administrator helps maintain compliance systems and research infrastructure. Responsibilities include:
- Supporting researchers in using grant management systems.
- Ensuring submissions meet all sponsor and institutional requirements.
- Maintaining meticulous records for audits.
- Creating reports on proposal activity and success rates.
- Identifying areas for improving research administration policies.
This part of the job requires a solid understanding of research compliance.
Required Skills and Experience
To succeed in this role, candidates need:
- A bachelor’s degree in business administration, research administration, or related fields.
- At least two years of experience in research administration or grants management.
- Familiarity with key federal research regulations, especially 2 CFR 200.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Experience in using research platforms like Research.gov and Grants.gov.
- Strong financial documentation skills and numerical accuracy.
- The ability to handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Experience with professional organizations like NCURA or SRA can be beneficial.
Work Environment
This position offers a flexible work setup, including hybrid or remote options, depending on where you are located. It is a full-time role, typically requiring a standard 40-hour workweek, though extra hours may be needed during busy periods.
- Options for hybrid, remote, or onsite work in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
- Collaboration with multiple stakeholders in a high-volume environment.
- Exposure to various funding systems, including federal and private sources.
The Importance of This Role
The Sponsored Research Administrator is vital for facilitating climate science research by ensuring that funding proposals are correctly developed and submitted. Their work directly influences the organization’s capability to secure funding for climate research initiatives.
Key contributions include:
- Enabling timely and competitive grant submissions.
- Ensuring compliance with complex funding regulations.
- Supporting the financial sustainability of climate research projects.
- Fostering collaboration between researchers and funding bodies.
The role ensures that essential scientific research continues to move forward effectively.
Organizational Context
Woodwell Climate Research Center employs over 100 staff members and is housed on a research campus in Massachusetts. It is a recognized leader in climate science, focused on applying research to address urgent climate challenges.
According to a 2022 report from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly severe, calling for immediate action. Organizations like Woodwell play a critical role in advancing knowledge and developing solutions.
For more insights into climate research, you can check out the NOAA.
