Director of Sponsored Programs

Job Summary/Basic Function

Lake Superior State University is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to build and advance a dynamic sponsored programs portfolio. This is an opportunity to shape institutional progress, support faculty innovation, and expand partnerships that have meaningful impact on our region and beyond.

This position leads and advances the University's sponsored programs in alignment with the Strategic Plan and institutional priorities, including instructional excellence, student success, regional engagement, and organizational growth. The Director reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves as a central partner to faculty, staff, and leadership, guiding the development of competitive funding opportunities and supporting the full lifecycle of externally funded projects from concept through successful implementation.

The Director fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability in sponsored programs, strengthening the University's capacity to secure and manage external funding while ensuring responsible stewardship and compliance with applicable regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Program Development

• Leads and advances the University's sponsored programs strategy in alignment with institutional priorities, mission, and strategic plan.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities that align with the University's strengths, needs, and areas of growth.
• Develops and leads institutional grant proposals, including large-scale and collaborative initiatives with faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Contributes to measurable outcomes tied to strategic plan initiatives through the expansion and success of sponsored programs.

Grant Development and Faculty Support

• Partners with faculty and staff to identify, develop, and submit competitive grant and contract proposals.
• Provides guidance and support throughout the full lifecycle of grant development, from concept through submission.
• Develops and delivers training, resources, and guidance to strengthen grant-writing capacity across the institution.
• Supports principal investigators and project directors in understanding expectations and best practices for successful grant execution.

Post-Award Management and Compliance

• Oversees the administration of grants and contracts to ensure compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Implements and maintains policies, procedures, and systems that ensure all sponsored programs are managed in accordance with applicable laws and institutional requirements.
• Works collaboratively with accounting staff and project leaders to support fiscal stewardship, reporting accuracy, and audit readiness.
• Ensures timely and accurate submission of all required programmatic and financial reports.
• Promotes institutional understanding of compliance requirements, including internal controls and audit processes.

Partnerships and Institutional Collaboration

• Serves as a primary liaison between the University and external funding agencies, partners, and stakeholders.
• Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners to advance sponsored program opportunities.
• Works closely with institutional offices, including accounting and academic units, to support effective grant implementation and oversight.
• Collaborates with the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and other compliance entities to ensure adherence to research and regulatory standards and track workflow.

Operations, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Develops and maintains systems, including dashboards and reports, to track grant activity, outcomes, and performance metrics.
• Analyzes data to inform decision-making, improve processes, and enhance institutional effectiveness in sponsored programs.
• Establishes and refines processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and service to the campus community.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and evolving needs of the University.