Posting Number req25641
Department Sponsored Projects Services
Department Website Link https://research.arizona.edu/
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) at the University of Arizona is seeking a Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal. The Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal supports the day‑to‑day operations of a comprehensive sponsored projects office, ensuring effective delivery of pre‑award, post‑award, subaward, property management, and research compliance services. This role leads operational process improvements, manages cross‑functional workflows, and ensures staff have the tools and resources needed to provide consistent, high‑quality service to faculty and campus partners.
The Sponsored Projects Operations Analyst, Principal oversees system upgrades and new technology implementations, serving as a key liaison among internal and external stakeholders to strengthen the stewardship of sponsored funding. The ideal candidate brings experience in sponsored projects or financial administration, strong systems and analytical skills, and the ability to work independently while confidently navigating partnerships across multiple teams and levels of leadership.
At Sponsored Projects Services, our Operations Services team drives the University of Arizona’s research mission forward by delivering essential operational and administrative support for grant activity across campus. Performance benefits include flexible schedules and remote work within Arizona (candidate must reside within State of Arizona). We value knowledge, skills and experience, and your qualifications could add exceptional value to our team. If you're passionate about what you could accomplish here, we'd love to hear from you.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work\-life programs.
Duties \& Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, refinement, and implementation of complex operational processes that enhance efficiency, strengthen consistency, and ensure alignment with institutional, regulatory, and sponsor requirements. This includes independently evaluating and optimizing workflows across pre‑award, post‑award, contracting, and financial compliance functions, applying advanced analytical skills, and exercising sound judgment to recommend and implement improvements that support the full sponsored projects lifecycle.
- Provide leadership and business support in planning, supporting, and executing complex system upgrades, new technology implementations, and workflow automation initiatives. This includes independently assessing system impacts, coordinating cross‑functional requirements, and ensuring organizational readiness through strategic training, documentation, and change‑management activities that enable smooth adoption and long‑term system effectiveness.
- Maintain and enhance internal procedural documentation (Confluence) and external Research Support web content by independently evaluating needs, updating materials, and ensuring clear, accurate guidance for staff and campus partners.
- Propose and complete special projects as needed to support office.
- Support front desk administrative activities as needed.
- Ability to learn and work independently, including in a remote work environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Excellent analytical and quantitative skills.
- Self\-driven with the ability to initiate and complete projects with minimal oversight.
- Knowledge of University software tools such as Financials, Research, and Analytics.
- Familiarity with or ability to learn advanced software tools such as Microsoft Power Apps and AI tools such as Copilot and Gemini.
- Knowledge of system design and development.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- Degree in business administration, accounting, MIS, computer science or related fields.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1\.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes \- Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $65,687 \- $85,393
Compensation Type salary at 1\.0 full\-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 9
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC3
Job Family Grant \& Contract Admin
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates Marcel Villalobos \| marcel@arizona.edu
Open Date 4/8/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.