Sponsored Research Contracts Specialist (Intermediate Professional)

Job Summary:

The Office of Grants and Contracts is seeking an Intermediate Professional Sponsored Research Contracts Specialist to help advance externally sponsored research across CU Denver and the CU Anschutz campus.

This is an exceptional opportunity to build deep expertise in sponsored research contracting while helping faculty and research teams move important work forward at two campuses.

Your work will be central to the mission of the Office of Grants and Contracts and the university, ensuring that research agreements are negotiated thoughtfully, compliant with sponsor and university requirements, and executed in a timely manner.

Day to day, you will review and negotiate sponsored research and revenue agreements, analyze incoming subcontracts and amendments, partner with the campus research administrators to resolve complex terms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review, draft, and negotiate sponsored research agreements, incoming subcontracts, revenue contracts, and amendments.

• Analyze legal, financial, intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, data, and compliance terms and coordinate review with university experts as needed.

• Partner with departments, sponsors, collaborating institutions, Procurement, and University Counsel to resolve issues and support timely execution.

• Review agreement budgets and related documentation for alignment and accuracy.

• Provide consultation, outreach, and training to faculty and research administrators.

• Manage a high-volume portfolio while delivering responsive, solutions-oriented service.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 2 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

Join a collaborative Office of Grants and Contracts team supporting a broad and meaningful research portfolio across CU Denver and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. You will work in a mission-driven academic environment, build expertise across a wide range of sponsored agreements, and contribute directly to research, education, public service, and innovation.

This position offers a hybrid schedule, strong university benefits, retirement contributions, paid leave, tuition benefits, professional development opportunities, and the stability and purpose of a public research university.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in an approved or directly related field from an accredited institution. Substitution: A combination of education and technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.

• One (1) year of professional experience in business administration, research administration, public administration, contract administration, or a closely related field.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience reviewing, negotiating, or administering sponsored research agreements, subcontracts, subawards, or amendments.

• Experience working across sponsored projects, finance, procurement, compliance, or legal functions.

• Experience interpreting complex contract terms and advising varied stakeholders.

• Experience in higher education, academic medicine, healthcare, government, or another regulated research environment.

• Juris Doctor or other relevant advanced degree.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of federal research requirements, sponsor policies, and research administration practices.

• Communicate complex contract terms and requirements clearly and effectively in writing and verbally.

• Build and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, staff, sponsors, collaborating institutions, and campus partners.

• Provide responsive, solutions-oriented service while balancing institutional risk, sponsor requirements, and research needs.

• Organize and manage a high-volume portfolio of agreements while maintaining accuracy, responsiveness, and follow-through.

• Apply strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective prioritization in a deadline-driven environment.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

• Curriculum vitae / Resume

• Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Melodie Proffitt melodie.proffitt@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply November 19, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $51,881 - $72,000.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.