Director of Research Proposal Services

Description

Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Programs, this position will provide strategic vision, leadership, and operational oversight for all matters related to research proposal preparation and submission, pre-review activities, and research contracting negotiations. The Director will be responsible for advancing service excellence, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective research operations. Serving as a senior advisor to the research enterprise, this position supports the most complex, high-profile, and institutionally significant proposal submissions and negotiations, ensuring alignment with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and strategic research priorities.

Oversee pre-award operations

Develop and/or maintain policies and procedures to ensure timely proposal submission, pre-review activities, contract negotiations, and adherence to regulations. Develop effective short and long-term goals, objectives, and management strategies to enhance pre-award activities and communicate those University-wide.

Leadership and guidance

Provides leadership and guidance to the research administration team. Oversee the work activities and monitor team performance with regards to accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.

Interpret and apply policies

Serve as an expert resource for interpreting and applying policies and regulations, communicating significant changes and assessing impact on existing sponsored activities, and implementing changes to ensure compliance.

Advisory role

Advise faculty members, department administrators, and research staff on proposal strategy, sponsor guidelines, institutional requirements, and best practices for competitive and compliant submissions.

Research contract review and negotiation

Oversee research contract review and negotiation activities and serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative with delegated authority to review, negotiate, and sign agreements on behalf of the University.

Liaison and collaboration

Works closely with the various offices on matters related to grant congruency, financial conflict of interest, responsible conduct of research, export controls, and other compliance areas impacting sponsored programs. Serve as a key liaison between research leadership, colleges, departments, faculty, administrators, the Office of contracts and grants, and other central offices to ensure alignment of pre-award operations and actions.

Training and development

Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President and other Office of Contracts and Grants directors to develop, revise, and deliver research administration certification and training programs for university personnel.

Qualifications

MQ: Requires application of advanced principles, techniques and theory in a professional discipline or a thorough general business management knowledge. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a directly job-related Master's degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. Requires a minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.