Sponsored Research Administrator Job at Woodwell Climate Research Center (USA)

 Sponsored Research Administrator at Woodwell Climate Research Center – Full Role Guide

If you’re aiming to build a career at the intersection of research administration, finance, and climate science, the Sponsored Research Administrator role at Woodwell Climate Research Center presents a highly strategic opportunity. This position is not just administrative it directly supports the funding pipeline behind critical climate research, making it essential to the organization’s impact.

In this detailed guide, you’ll understand the role structure, responsibilities, required skills, and career value of this position, along with insights to help you evaluate or prepare for similar roles.

About Woodwell Climate Research Center

The Woodwell Climate Research Center is a globally recognized independent research institution focused on climate science and actionable solutions. The organization operates at the intersection of:

• Climate systems

• Human societies

• Natural ecosystems

Its mission is to generate evidence-based research that informs policy and accelerates solutions to the climate crisis. Woodwell collaborates with governments, NGOs, and global partners, emphasizing both scientific excellence and climate justice.

With over 100 staff and a strong research footprint, the institution is known for translating complex science into real-world impact.

Role Overview: Sponsored Research Administrator

The Sponsored Research Administrator (SRA) is a full-time professional role within the Finance and Sponsored Research Office. It focuses primarily on pre-award research administration, supporting scientists in securing funding from:

• Federal agencies

• Private foundations

• International sponsors

This role serves as a central coordination hub between researchers (Principal Investigators), institutional teams, and external funders.

Key Focus Areas:

• Proposal development and submission

• Budget preparation and compliance

• Subaward and contract coordination

• Research administration systems and reporting

Core Responsibilities

1. Proposal Development & Submission (70%)

This is the primary function of the role and involves managing the full lifecycle of research proposals.

Key tasks include:

• Reviewing funding announcements and interpreting sponsor requirements

• Creating detailed project budgets and justifications

• Applying correct indirect cost rates and allowable expenses

• Coordinating proposal components such as:

° Biosketches

° Data management plans

° Institutional documents

• Managing internal approvals and submission workflows

• Liaising with external collaborators and sponsors

• Resolving compliance and administrative issues

• Tracking deadlines and ensuring timely submissions

The administrator typically supports ~15 Principal Investigators and manages 40–50 proposals annually, requiring strong organization and precision.

2. Subaward & Contract Coordination (15%)

In multi-institutional research projects, this role ensures that collaborations are properly structured and compliant.

Responsibilities include:

• Collecting subrecipient documentation:

° Scope of work

° Budgets

° Letters of intent

• Supporting risk assessments in line with federal regulations

• Assisting in drafting and reviewing subaward agreements

• Ensuring compliance with funding guidelines

This function is critical for maintaining accountability across partner institutions.

3. Systems, Compliance & Research Administration (15%)

The role also contributes to maintaining efficient and compliant research systems.

Key activities:

• Supporting grant management platforms (e.g., profile updates, submissions)

• Ensuring compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)

• Maintaining audit-ready documentation

• Generating reports on:

° Submission activity

° Success rates

• Recommending improvements to workflows and policies

This aspect requires systems thinking and regulatory awareness.

Required Skills and Technical Expertise

To succeed in this role, candidates need a blend of financial, administrative, and regulatory skills.

Core Competencies:

• Experience in pre-award research administration (minimum 2 years preferred)

• Strong understanding of federal grant regulations (2 CFR 200)

• Budgeting and financial analysis skills

• High attention to detail and accuracy

Technical Tools:

• Microsoft Office & Google Workspace

• Grants platforms:

° Grants.gov

° Research.gov

° NSPIRES

• Grant management systems (e.g., InfoEd)

Additional Advantages:

• Experience with multi-institutional proposals

• Familiarity with professional bodies like NCURA or SRA

• Certifications such as:

° CRA (Certified Research Administrator)

° CPRA

Education and Experience Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in:

° Business Administration

° Research Administration

° Or a related field

• At least 2 years of relevant experience

• Preferably experience in:

° Academic institutions

° Non-profit research environments

Working Environment

The role offers flexibility, which is increasingly valuable in research administration careers.

Key Conditions:

• Hybrid, remote, or onsite options (Falmouth, Massachusetts)

• Full-time (40 hours/week)

• High-pressure periods during submission cycles

• Collaboration with multiple stakeholders

The environment is deadline-driven, requiring strong time management and adaptability.

Strategic Importance of the Role

This position plays a mission-critical role in enabling climate research. Without effective research administration, even the strongest scientific ideas may fail to secure funding.

Key Contributions:

• Ensures timely and competitive grant submissions

• Maintains compliance with complex funding regulations

• Supports the financial sustainability of research projects

• Strengthens institutional research systems

• Facilitates collaboration across organizations

In practical terms, the role acts as the backbone of research funding operations.

Career Value and Growth Opportunities

Working as a Sponsored Research Administrator offers strong career progression in:

• Research administration leadership

• Grants and compliance management

• Non-profit and international development sectors

University research offices

With experience, professionals can move into roles such as:

• Senior Research Administrator

• Grants Manager

• Director of Sponsored Programs

Given the increasing global focus on climate change and funded research, demand for these skills is growing.

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideal for individuals who:

• Enjoy working with data, budgets, and compliance frameworks

• Want to contribute to climate science without being a scientist

• Are detail-oriented and comfortable managing deadlines

• Have an interest in policy, research, and global impact

Final Thoughts

The Sponsored Research Administrator role at Woodwell Climate Research Center is more than a support function it is a strategic enabler of climate research and global impact. By managing the complex process of securing funding, this role ensures that critical scientific work can move forward.

For professionals interested in combining administration, finance, and mission-driven work, this position offers both stability and purpose in a rapidly evolving global sector.

FAQs

1. Is this a remote position?

Yes, the role offers hybrid and remote options depending on location.

2. What is the main responsibility?

Managing research proposal development and submission processes.

3. Do I need experience with federal grants?

Yes, familiarity with regulations like 2 CFR 200 is highly preferred.

4. Is this a technical or administrative role?

It is a hybrid role, combining administration, finance, and compliance expertise.

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