Director of Sponsored Programs

About the role

Long Island University seeks an experienced and collaborative Director of Sponsored Programs to provide strategic leadership for the University’s growing research enterprise. Reporting to the Vice President of Research, the Director oversees sponsored programs administration, with primary responsibility for pre-award operations, research administration, and regulatory compliance. The Director partners with faculty, deans, and university leadership to increase external funding, strengthen research infrastructure, and advance LIU’s strategic goal of becoming a nationally recognized R1 research university. This position supervises Office of Sponsored Programs staff and ensures exceptional customer service while maintaining compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the University’s sponsored programs administration and serve as the Executive Director’s designee when assigned.
• Oversee pre-award and post-award administration, including proposal review, budget development, institutional approvals, sponsor submissions, and grant management.
• Supervise and mentor OSP staff, fostering a collaborative, service-oriented environment.
• Advise faculty on funding opportunities, proposal development, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), federal regulations, sponsor policies, and University procedures.
• Coordinate the submission of complex, multidisciplinary, and multi-institutional proposals.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, templates, and best practices to improve research administration.
• Develop and deliver training programs for faculty and staff on grants administration and sponsor requirements.
• Monitor sponsored programs activity, prepare reports for University leadership, and support strategic research initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Managerial experience in sponsored programs administration within higher education or a research institution.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal research regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and major sponsors such as NIH, NSF, DOD, DOE, and HRSA.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while providing outstanding customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or similar doctoral degree.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or related professional certification.
• Experience supporting research growth at an R1 or emerging research university.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems such as PeopleSoft, Cayuse, InfoEd, or Workday.