Lead Administrator Sponsored Programs

The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), is NASA’s science operations center for missions including the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes. STScI leads observation planning, data analysis, public engagement, and data archiving for flagship missions. Our staff spans astronomy, engineering, education, IT, communications, and administration—working together to bring space science to the world.

Our world-class astronomical research center is based on the Johns Hopkins University Homewood campus in Baltimore, Maryland. Visit our website to learn more about our missions.

We are hiring a Lead Administrator to join our Sponsored Programs Office department. This position performs full lifecycle sponsored programs administration for a portfolio of awards, including proposal development, subaward management, post-award administration, and closeout. This role serves as a senior individual contributor, applying advanced knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies while supporting Principal Investigators and stakeholders on complex financial and regulatory matters.

The position provides advanced technical expertise, guidance, and support to colleagues and institutional stakeholders but does not include direct supervisory responsibilities.

This position can support hybrid work (including number of onsite required days). Candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to our local market. (MD, DE, VA, PA, DC & WV).

This position requires US Citizenship or Permanent Residence in order to meet ITAR requirements.

The annual salary range for this title is $110,000 - $125,000.  The posted salary range represents a general guideline; however, STScI considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, such as internal pay equity, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's experience, education, and skill, and current market conditions.

Position Overview: Role and Responsibilities

We are hiring a Lead Sponsored Programs Administrator to join our Sponsored Programs Office. This is a senior individual contributor role for candidates with significant experience in sponsored programs administration, supporting full lifecycle award management and complex compliance activities.

• Perform full lifecycle sponsored programs administration for assigned awards, from proposal through closeout.
• Prepare proposal budgets and support proposal development, including coordination with Principal Investigators (PIs) and compliance review.
• Review award documents for accuracy and compliance; analyze terms and conditions and support negotiation and acceptance activities.
• Coordinate post-award activities, including award modifications, prior approvals, and sponsor communications.
• Track reporting requirements and support timely preparation and submission in accordance with sponsor guidelines.
• Monitor financial activity to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, and compliant with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Analyze financial reports, identify trends, and communicate award status and projections to PIs.
• Coordinate subaward processes, including documentation review, risk assessment support, and monitoring activities.
• Serve as a subject matter resource on sponsored programs regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Provide guidance and informal training to colleagues on processes, tools, and compliance requirements.
• Identify and escalate potential compliance issues and support audit and review activities as needed.
• Maintain working knowledge of systems and tools used in sponsored programs administration.

Your Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Education – Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field required.

Years of Experience –

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs or research administration, preferably including federal grants.
• Seven (7) or more years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly with complex awards and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in full lifecycle sponsored programs administration, including proposal development, award management, and closeout.
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and sponsor-specific terms and conditions.

Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for financial tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial data and identify risks or trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex regulatory and financial information clearly.
• High attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in compliance-driven environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines across a portfolio of awards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with PIs, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations (e.g., 2 CFR 200) in a practical, operational context.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance, training, and knowledge-sharing to colleagues.

The substitution of additional relevant education and/or experience for stated qualifications may be considered.

We offer an excellent and generous benefits package, tuition reimbursement, flexible work schedules and a stimulating and diverse work environment. Explore our benefits: http://www.stsci.edu/opportunities/benefits

TO APPLY: Share your experience by uploading a resume and completing an online application. Applications received by June 24, 2026, will receive full consideration. Applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.  Ref: HRC0015865

Please only use this link to apply:  https://apply.workable.com/j/7017E45011

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can contact us at careers@stsci.edu.

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000