"Director of Sponsored Programs"

Director of Sponsored Programs

Clemson University invites applications and nominations for the Director of Sponsored Programs, a pivotal leadership role at the center of a thriving and increasingly sophisticated research enterprise. The Director leads, manages, and facilitates pre-award research administration to advance Clemson’s research goals and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Sponsored Programs, working closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to support external funding while ensuring compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations and policies. The role coordinates pre-award activities in close partnership with research compliance and post-award functions, ensuring a seamless and integrated research administration ecosystem.

This is a rare opportunity to lead pre-award research administration at a Carnegie R1 land-grant university with strong momentum in sponsored funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior research leadership and faculty, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence while strengthening policies, advancing systems and processes, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports researchers throughout the proposal and award lifecycle.

The successful candidate will join Clemson at a time of continued growth and investment in research infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide practices, lead complex negotiations as the University’s Authorized Organizational Representative, develop and mentor a high-performing team, and help position Clemson for sustained competitiveness in an increasingly complex federal and sponsor funding environment.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field. A minimum of five years of professional experience, including three to five years of experience in research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pre-award research administration, sponsored programs regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and research support units.
• Proven experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral or professional degree.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with measurable impact in university research administration.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
• Experience serving as or supporting an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).
• Experience in a complex R1 or public research university environment.

Nomination and Application Process

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Clemson University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed towards Julie Holley and Ann Bailey with Greenwood Asher & Associates.

Julie Holley
Associate Vice President of Executive Search & Search Manager
850.687.5104
julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com

Ann Bailey
Senior Executive Search Consultant
850.830.5169
annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com

Application materials should include: a letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position and a current curriculum vitae/resume.

Please submit a full application packet (cover letter and CV/resume) at https://apply.interfolio.com/180911

For best consideration, please submit materials by March 20, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

*Clemson University has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. To ensure full implementation of this equal opportunity policy, we will take steps to ensure that: Persons are recruited, hired, assigned, and promoted without regard to disability, protected veteran’s status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.*