SPAS Project Manager

SPAS Project Manager

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) Office of Research is seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented SPAS Project Manager to join our Sponsored Projects Administration Services (SPAS) team. In this role, you'll collaborate with Principal Investigators and the research leadership team to pursue external funding opportunities, support proposal development, and help manage awarded projects. This is a dynamic opportunity to drive innovation, and make a real impact through strategic project coordination and support. If you're ready to help shape the future of research at UAA, apply today!

As the SPAS Project Manager, you will lead complex, multi-stakeholder research and externally funded projects with a high degree of independence and strategic oversight. You are a subject matter expert in research administration, with in-depth knowledge of federal grant regulations, procurement, and compliance policies. You will manage project budgets often exceeding $1 million, exercise delegated signature authority or recommend expenditures on behalf of the PI, and serve as the primary compliance monitor and liaison for all fiscal activities. In this role your advanced writing and data analysis skills support the development of technical reports and publications, while your ability to translate complex information ensures clear communication with federal funders, academic leadership, and the public. You mentor and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority, fostering collaboration and accountability across all phases of project delivery.

To thrive in this role, the successful candidate should bring a solid background in supporting federal, state, local, and foundation-funded research, as well as experience serving university-based clients. The ideal candidate is adaptable, strategic, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. They should demonstrate expertise in managing complex, high-stakes projects independently, collaborating with Principal Investigators (PIs), navigating compliance and regulatory requirements, and leading competitive proposal development. Strong skills in research writing, stakeholder communication, and cross-institutional coordination are essential. The candidate will also provide expert guidance, training, and mentorship to research teams, and contribute to research development and innovation aligned with institutional priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., research administration, science, engineering, public policy, project management) and four years of progressively responsible experience in a research or sponsored program environment, including proposal development and project leadership.

OR

Bachelor's degree with six years of directly related advanced research or research management experience. Preferred: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project certification; prior federal agency proposal and reporting experience.

Position Details:

This position is located in Anchorage, Alaska. Flexible on-site/hybrid work arrangements may be considered in accordance with UA regulations. This is a term-funded, full-time, exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 81, based on education and experience.

We review applications on a rolling basis. Because we may close the posting once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates is established, we encourage early submission. Please note that once a viable pool is identified, further applications may not be reviewed.

The University of Alaska (UA) requires employees to work on-site based on operational and business needs. Hybrid and remote work arrangements may be considered only for positions specifically designated and advertised as eligible for hybrid or remote work. Any approved arrangement will be based on the position's duties, operational needs, and the employee's ability to effectively perform the work remotely.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity (CAUSE)-UAW.