Research Administration Director - ORS

Position Introduction:

The Director of Award Administration serves as the senior leader responsible for overseeing all award administration functions within the Office of Research Services (ORS). This position provides strategic direction and operational oversight for award administration activities, including management of staff, administration of sponsored research awards, monitoring compliance, and ensuring that all sponsored research activity is conducted efficiently and in alignment with institutional policies and sponsor requirements.

The Director is responsible for ensuring institution-wide compliance with evolving federal agency guidance, including FAR/DFAR requirements and ongoing monitoring of agency expectations tied to all existing and prospective awards.

Typical Functions May Include:

1. Leadership & Staff Oversight: Oversees award administration staff including management, supervision, performance evaluation, and professional development.
2. Award Administration Oversight: Oversees all contract negotiations and administration of sponsored projects to ensure compliance with sponsor, federal, and university requirements.
3. Operations Management: Manages day-to-day operations of award administration and ensures efficiency and compliance monitoring.
4. Engagement: Collaborates with principal investigators and departments to support award development and execution.
5. Communications: Responds to complex inquiries and coordinates communication with multiple stakeholders and agencies.
6. Fiscal Management: Responsible for operational budget oversight and resource allocation.
7. Supervision: Supervises approximately 5–10 staff, including hiring, training, and workload management.
8. Committees: Participates in institutional committees and boards.

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Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 72 months of experience, 24 months of which includes supervisory/managerial responsibilities, in any combination of the following areas: procurement (federal, state or industrial), proposal submissions, contract negotiations, grant and contract administration; accounting and/or financial analysis, financial administration in sponsored program administration. 36 months of the experience must be directly related to sponsored program administration.

Department Preferences:

• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), FAR/DFAR.
• Experience with federal sponsors (NSF, NIH, DoD, NASA, DOE).