Job Description

Position Purpose

The Proposals and Awards Compliance Analyst supports the University of Washington’s Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), which facilitates more than 1.8 billion annually in sponsored project awards.  Reporting to a Manager within the proposals and Awards Team, this position is responsible for reviewing and submitting federal assistance proposals, negotiating award terms and conditions and ensuring institutional compliance throughout the life of the award.  

The role is critical to OSP’s mission of enabling timely, compliant research activity.  It involves independent judgement, complex regulatory interpretation, and efficient processing of proposals and awards actions under strict deadlines.

Position Complexities

This position operates in a high‑volume, deadline-driven environment requiring the ability to:

• Interpret and apply a wide range of federal, state, and University regulations to diverse proposal and award scenarios.
• Independently evaluate compliance risks and determine appropriate institutional responses.
• Navigate and troubleshoot multiple sponsor electronic research administration systems.
• Communicate complex regulatory and policy requirements to faculty and departmental staff with varying levels of expertise.
• Manage competing deadlines, shifting workloads, and urgent requests with accuracy and attention to detail.

The work demands strong analytical skills, high discretion, exceptional communication abilities, and rapid acquisition and application of new regulatory knowledge.

Position Dimensions and Impact to the University

As the central office with delegated authority for proposal submission and award acceptance, OSP plays a key role in safeguarding the University’s ability to conduct research. This position directly impacts:

• Proposal submission and award acceptance for a large portion of the University’s $1.8B annual sponsored funding portfolio.
• Institutional compliance with federal regulations such as Uniform Guidance, conflict of interest, human subjects, and animal research requirements.
• Timely initiation of research activity, enabling departments and PIs to meet sponsor and project deadlines.
• Risk mitigation, ensuring that the University only accepts terms consistent with federal and state law, University policy, and sponsor requirements.

The position serves hundreds of faculty and departmental partners across all three campuses and supports institutional objectives in research excellence, compliance, and stewardship of external funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

 50% Proposal Review and Submission

• Review and approve competing and non‑competing proposals submitted to external sponsors.
• Exercise delegated institutional signature authority for proposal submissions.
• Verify compliance with federal, sponsor, and University requirements.
• Communicate sponsor policies and proposal requirements to departmental administrators and faculty.
• Interpret University research administration policies and apply them to specific proposal scenarios.
• Navigate and troubleshoot sponsor electronic systems (e.g., NIH eRA Commons, NSF Research.gov, Grants.gov).
• Ensure timely submission of proposals under strict sponsor deadlines.

Competencies required: regulatory knowledge, analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to independently apply complex rules.

40% Award Review, Negotiation, and Acceptance

• Review incoming federal and federal flow‑through awards for compliance with law, policy, and sponsor requirements.
• Negotiate acceptable terms and conditions on behalf of the University.
• Communicate federal grant management and non‑fiscal compliance requirements to faculty and administrators.
• Collaborate with sponsors to resolve budget, program, and administrative issues.
• Coordinate with campus partners on award adjustments or required compliance steps.

Competencies required: expert understanding of Uniform Guidance and federal assistance regulations; strong analytical and negotiation skills; ability to communicate complex requirements clearly.

10% Sponsored Programs Related Agreements

• Conduct initial assessments of related agreements (e.g., confidentiality agreements, data use agreements, sponsored research agreements, collaboration agreements, research services agreements).
• Identify contractual needs based on facts provided by departments.
• Consult with senior colleagues or managers on next steps for complex or higher‑risk agreements.
• Communicate guidance to campus units and direct them to appropriate OSP, CoMotion, or other institutional resources.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in business or a related field and three or more years of experience in grant or contract administration or equivalent experience
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Familiarity with federal electronic research administration systems
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel. 

 A cover letter is required for this recruitment. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter. In your cover letter, please share more about your background and skills that are most relevant to this position. 

Desired qualifications

• Experience working in a large research-intensive educational institution.
• Experience with major Federal sponsoring agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, and others.
• Experience with Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) subawards.
• A demonstrated capacity to work with and within a diverse community.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to meet strict sponsor deadlines which may require work outside normal business hours.
• Additional deadlines may apply during federal and state fiscal year closeout periods  

Working Environmental Conditions

• Individuals may work at the OSP office on the UW Seattle campus, 100% remote, or a combination (hybrid). The OSP office is a standard open-plan office environment located in the UW Tower, a high-rise office building on the edge of the UW Seattle campus.
• Work schedule and location flexibility is available and encouraged, within the boundaries of OSP policy.
• Individuals must provide their own transportation to/from their official residence and their official duty station(s).
• The UW does not provide employees with free parking; parking is available at the UW Tower for a fee.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$69,600.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$85,356.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.