Director of Sponsored Research Administration

About the role

Alfred University is a Carnegie class small research university with over $5 million in sponsored research expenditures annually from grants and contracts from federal, state and private sources. Reporting to the VP of Business and Finance/CFO, the Director of Sponsored Research Administration serves as the Federal Compliance Officer, Institutional Grants Officer and authorized official liaison with all granting agencies. This role oversees both pre-award and post-award services for university personnel participating in sponsored projects. This role has a dotted line reporting relationship with the Associate Provost for Research and works collaboratively with deans, faculty and administrative offices to improve compliance, service, accountability and efficient operations with all areas of the university.

Essential Functions

• Oversees all operations and personnel within the Office of Sponsored Programs.
• Collaborates with the Associate Provost for Research, academic deans, and faculty to promote and support the submission of proposals.
• Collaborates with leadership team to develop, implement, and update institutional policies regarding research misconduct, indirect cost rates, intellectual property, and grant management.
• Serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) to submit proposals and to accept/approve grants, sub-awards, agreements, amendments, and contracts as the College's authorized official.
• Guides and assists faculty/staff in identifying appropriate funding sources; conducts one-on-one consultations to understand scholarly interests and funding needs.
• Mentors faculty in grant writing processes.
• Reviews and approves external grant proposals (pre-award focus).
• Maintains a grants management information system for administrative reports and grant archives.
• Consults with senior administrators on grant activities requiring institutional resources.
• Serves as post-award liaison between grant recipients and funding agencies (progress reporting, amendments, compliance monitoring, internal and external audits).
• Collaborates with the Business Office and Advancement as needed on institutional grant and foundation efforts.
• Maintains knowledge of program solicitations, federal and state regulations and compliance requirements; alerts relevant parties to changes.
• Ensures institutional registration and compliance for federal funding.
• Manages subcontracting processes with collaborating institutions and industry partners.
• Writes, reviews, and negotiates terms of NDAs, MOUs, contracts, and service agreements.
• Maintains memberships and attends meetings for professional development.
• Develops and delivers training workshops on proposal development for faculty/staff.
• Oversees the Office of Sponsored Programs website.
• Serves on institutional committees as appropriate (e.g., Intellectual Property, IRB).
• Prepares quarterly reports for the Associate Provost of Research and the VP for Business & Finance/CFO as needed.
• Serves as a liaison to support and assist in creating intersections and pathways for faculty, staff, and students that will assist in transforming people’s lives.
• Serves as a liaison to support and assist in creating an evolving culture of connection, mentoring, and rich engagement opportunities for faculty, staff, and students.
• Maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and a high degree of cultural competence and respect for a wide range of identities and experiences, therefore welcoming and supporting all faculty, staff, and students and expanding access to the AU experience.
• Maintains a safe working environment within and around their facilities and associated equipment and supplies including, but not limited to, obtaining Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information pertaining to any hazards associated with their work environment.
• Participates in all required assigned training, including safety training and will comply with safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting, legal or related field, advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years in grants/research administration or 5+ years in accounting/legal experience, knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance, Department of Defense experience preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA), or CFRA preferred.
• Strong organizational, budgeting, and management skills; ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership abilities; experience mentoring teams and faculty.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations and compliance.
• Proficiency with electronic research administration systems at federal and state agencies.

Pay

$109,147 - $115,431 Annually

Schedule

Full Time