"Director, Sponsored Programs Administration"

Job Summary

Supports department leaders in managing and growing the institution's sponsored programs infrastructure. Serves as a key leader in facilitating faculty-led research funding across federal, state, and private entities. Oversees the daily operations of pre-award and post-award functions, ensuring operational excellence across proposal development, award setup, compliance monitoring, internal coordination, and ensures effective collaboration with stakeholders across the university. Instrumental in executing department policy, training university personnel, and maintaining grant-related systems in support of the institution's research mission.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists leadership in managing day-to-day operations of the department, with a focus on pre-award and non-financial post-award activities
• Supervises, mentors, and supports assigned leadership and staff, providing ongoing process improvement, performance management, and professional development
• Supports leadership in the development and implementation of policies and procedures that enhance institutional compliance and effectiveness
• Monitors internal processes and identifies areas for improvement
• Assists in maintaining institutional eligibility to receive federal, state, and private funding, including registration with appropriate agencies
• Supports reporting efforts and ensure timely and accurate data entry for institutional analysis and sponsor reporting
• Assures the institution is registered and in compliance to receive federal funding
• Collaborates with the Grants Accounting team to ensure accurate and timely grant reporting, and to support compliance monitoring activities
• Serves as a key contact for unit-level issues, resolving concerns, and escalating matters to the Executive Director
• Maintains and enhances grants management systems used to track proposals, awards, and compliance data in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external vendors
• Monitors federal, state, and sponsor regulations and communicate changes to impacted stakeholders

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business or related field.

Required Experience

Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs administration, with strong emphasis in pre-award, proposal development, non-fiscal post-award activities or related areas, including at least three (3) years as a manager or supervisor with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Familiarity with electronic research administration platforms and grants.gov, FastLane, or Research.gov

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business or a related field

Preferred Experience

Previous experience with grants management in a university setting.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment

Able to foster a culture of service, compliance, and excellence in sponsored programs administration

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private grant regulations and procedures

SKILLS

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, Cayuse, InfoEd, or similar platforms)

Strong attention to detail and follow up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette