Director of Sponsored Programs

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or University System of Georgia policy.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Sponsored Programs provides leadership, oversight, and administration for all externally funded grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. This position ensures compliance with federal, state, local, and private funding agency requirements while supporting faculty and staff in securing and managing sponsored funding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Administration

Direct and manage the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices related to grants and contracts management. Provide strategic leadership to increase external funding opportunities and institutional research capacity. Supervise and evaluate sponsored programs staff and provide professional development opportunities. Serve as the institution's primary liaison with funding agencies and sponsoring organizations.

Pre-Award Administration

Assist faculty and staff in identifying funding opportunities from federal, state, private, and corporate sponsors. Review and approve grant proposals prior to submission. Ensure proposals comply with sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, and applicable regulations. Coordinate proposal development, budget preparation, and submission processes. Maintain records of grant submissions and funding outcomes.

Post-Award Administration

Monitor awarded grants and contracts to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements. Collaborate with principal investigators, finance, and administrative units to manage grant expenditures. Review and approve budget modifications, no-cost extensions, and other award amendments. Track project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements. Ensure timely submission of financial and programmatic reports.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure compliance with federal regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), state requirements, and institutional policies. Coordinate audits and sponsor reviews related to sponsored projects. Monitor subrecipient agreements and compliance activities. Provide guidance on research compliance, conflict of interest, and grant-related regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate records and documentation for sponsored projects.

Financial Oversight

Review and approve grant budgets and budget revisions. Monitor grant expenditures and cost-sharing commitments. Collaborate with finance and accounting offices to ensure proper financial management of awards. Assist with indirect cost recovery and facilities and administrative (F&A) rate management. Analyze funding trends and prepare reports for institutional leadership.

Training and Outreach

Develop and conduct training workshops for faculty and staff on grants management and compliance. Provide technical assistance throughout the grant lifecycle. Promote awareness of funding opportunities and sponsored research initiatives. Foster collaborative relationships with academic departments and external partners.

Strategic Planning and Reporting

Develop annual goals and objectives for sponsored programs activities. Prepare reports on grant activity, funding success rates, and institutional performance metrics. Support strategic initiatives that enhance research, scholarship, and community engagement. Advise senior leadership on sponsored programs trends, opportunities, and risks.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education, Research Administration, or a related field. Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in grants administration, sponsored programs, or research administration. Knowledge of federal grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Strong leadership, budget management, and organizational skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or related professional certification. Experience in higher education research administration. Experience managing federal, state, and private grants. Knowledge of grant management systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.