The Sponsored Programs Office is looking for a motivated, dynamic, highly organized individual to join our team as a Grant and Contract Officer (GCO). The GCO provides support for the submission, administration, negotiation, processing, and close out of grants, contracts, and other agreements for externally sponsored research projects across the University.

This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

• Provide and coordinate centralized administrative and technical guidance and support to a diverse client set of USU faculty and staff seeking extramural funding for research and sponsored projects.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on awards and administrative processes.
• Analyze awards and agreements for compliance and consistency with federal and state laws and regulations, university policy and practice, research compliance restrictions and guidelines, financial and academic requirements, and agency policies and procedures.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with external sponsoring entities for proposals, awards, and cooperative agreements.
• Operate with signature authority for USU for entering into sponsored programs.
• Perform work using various databases and electronic systems.
• Engage in professional development and educational opportunities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree plus two years full time job experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work independently, effectively, and efficiently under tight time constraints.
• Effective written and verbal interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to cultivate positive relationships with faculty and staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience in a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of federal requirements as it relates to sponsored projects.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Work experience in grant administration or in an office dealing with legal or regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Uniform Guidance and Federal agency guidelines as they relate to sponsored projects.
• Knowledge of Federal, state, and/or private funding sources and mechanisms.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover Letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The Sponsored Programs Office is a unit within the Office of Research that facilitates research and other sponsored activities by providing the USU community with professional and effective administrative expertise in the management of sponsored programs, while preserving the rights and interests of USU, the researcher, the sponsor, and the community.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women’s volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women’s soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 10/2025