Director of Sponsored Programs

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

• Leads and manages the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research Administration.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and best practices related to grants and contracts management.
• Strategically leads efforts to increase external funding opportunities and institutional research capacity.
• Serves as the institution's primary liaison with funding agencies and sponsoring organizations.
• Aids faculty and staff in identifying funding opportunities from various sponsors.
• Reviews and approves grant proposals prior to submission.
• Maintains records of grant submissions and funding outcomes.
• Maintains compliance with federal regulations, Uniform Guidance, state requirements, and institutional policies.
• Monitors awarded grants and contracts to ensure compliance with sponsor requirements.
• Collaborates with principal investigators, finance, and administrative units to manage grant expenditures.
• Tracks project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Ensures timely submission of financial and programmatic reports.
• Develops annual goals and objectives for sponsored programs activities.
• Prepares reports on grant activity, funding success rates, and institutional performance metrics.
• Supports strategic initiatives that enhance research, scholarship, and community engagement.
• Advises 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.