Senior Manager for Sponsored Program Contracts & Agreements: UT Space Institute

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

University of Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department

Tullahoma, TN, USA

USD 85k-100k / year

Posted on May 19, 2026

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the Research Contracts & Sponsored Programs Lead. This position provides institutional-level leadership and oversight for all research administration and sponsored programs activities, supporting UTSI’s growing portfolio of externally funded research.

This role serves as the primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, contract negotiation, and award management. The position also serves as UTSI’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with the authority to review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects.

The successful candidate will work closely with faculty, UTSI leadership, Finance, and UT System offices, including ORIED, UTRF, and the Office of General Counsel, to ensure compliance, mitigate risk, and support research growth.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
This role serves as the primary authority for pre-award and post-award functions, including proposal submission, contract negotiation, and award management. The position also serves as UTSI’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) with the authority to review, approve, and commit institutional resources in support of sponsored projects.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, administration, or a related field
  • Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in sponsored programs, research administration, or contract management
  • Demonstrated experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, grants, or sponsored agreements
  • Knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements related to research administration
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field
  • Experience working in higher education or a research environment
  • Knowledge of federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR)
  • Experience working with intellectual property and UTRF-related processes
  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential
  • Supervisory or team leadership experience
  • Familiarity with systems such as Cayuse, Grants.gov, or Research.gov

Work Location.

  • Location: Tullahoma, TN

  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR14

  • Anticipated hiring range: $85,000 – $100,000

  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

About UTSI

The University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), located in Tullahoma, Tennessee, is a nationally recognized research institute supporting advanced research and education in aerospace, engineering, and applied sciences. UTSI partners with federal agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to drive innovation and research excellence.

Why Join UTSI

  • Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing research environment
  • Collaborative and mission-driven culture
  • Engagement with faculty, researchers, and external partners across multiple disciplines
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
  • Provide leadership and oversight of all sponsored programs activities, including pre-award and post-award functions
  • Serve as UTSI’s Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submission and certification
  • Lead negotiation and execution of complex sponsored research agreements, including federal, industry, and non-profit contracts
  • Interpret and negotiate contract terms, including FAR/DFAR clauses, intellectual property provisions, and sponsor-specific requirements
  • Analyze and assess contractual risk, identifying and resolving high-risk or non-compliant terms
  • Collaborate with UTRF and the Office of General Counsel on intellectual property and legal matters
  • Oversee subaward development, execution, and monitoring
  • Provide guidance and support to faculty on proposal development, compliance requirements, and contract terms
  • Supervise and mentor sponsored programs staff and ensure efficient workflow management
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and University policies
  • Participate in institutional and system-wide research administration initiatives
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