Director of Sponsored Programs
Job Description
Posting Number
PG193582EPInternal Recruitment
NoWorking Title
Director of Sponsored ProgramsAnticipated Hiring Range
$130,000 - $180,000Work Schedule
8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday, overtime as required to meet deadlinesJob Location
Raleigh, NCDepartment
Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance ServicesAbout the Department
Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services (SPARCS):
Sponsored Programs is responsible for pre-award and nonfinancial post-award activities for contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. In partnership with College Research Offices, Sponsored Programs facilitates the preparation and submission of proposals to all external sponsors, and has administrative responsibility for more than 3,700 award actions securing approximately $500M annually. Sponsored Programs staff negotiate and execute all sponsored funding agreements from Federal, State and local governments as well as nonprofit and industry sponsors. Sponsored Programs is responsible for non-financial post-award management, outgoing subawards, and non-monetary agreements necessary for the conduct of research, such as collaboration and data use agreements.
Regulatory Compliance Services comprises oversight functions for protection of human and animal research subjects, conflict of interest, export controls, research integrity and other regulatory areas.
Essential Job Duties
The Director of Sponsored Programs oversees pre-award and non-financial post-award activities for the university’s $500M annual portfolio. The Director oversees a staff of 19 FTE organized into three teams, and reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance. NC State’s highly decentralized environment requires a Director who can work collaboratively with researchers, sponsors, College Research Offices and the Offices of Contracts and Grants (post-award financial management), General Counsel, and Research Commercialization to enable research growth, facilitate compliance, support campus training, and respond promptly to changes in sponsor requirements. The Director ensures standard operating procedures and workflows support efficient operations while facilitating fiscal and regulatory compliance. The Director provides back-up support for all pre-award functions including negotiations.
To accomplish these responsibilities, the Director:
- Provides daily oversight of proposal, award acceptance, contract negotiation, subaward and post-award modification functions.
- Assists and advises Sponsored Programs staff, campus administrators and researchers with preparation of proposals and interpretation of terms and conditions.
- Coordinates with Regulatory Compliance partners to ensure sponsored programs processes and facilitate compliance with human subjects, animal subjects, conflict of interest, export control and other regulatory needs.
- Assesses policy exception requests and makes risk-based decisions.
- Collaborates with College Research Offices, Associate Deans, Contracts & Grants, and others to identify solutions for exceptional circumstances and resolve problems at all stages of the sponsored programs lifecycle.
- Monitors effectiveness of and recommends enhancements to NC State’s Enterprise Research Administration systems.
- Develops and updates policies and procedures.
- Serves as a liaison with major sponsors and professional organizations (e.g. NCURA, SRA, UIDP).
- Works with the Office of Research and Innovation Education and Training group to provide internal and external professional development resources for Sponsored Programs staff and campus research administrators.
- Holds signature authority for proposals and contractual agreements related to research. Controls delegation of signature authority for proposals.
- Engages with campus and external stakeholders as needed to advance NC State’s research, teaching and service missions.
Other Responsibilities
Proposal and Award
Supporting the preparation and processing of proposals, acceptance of awards, and negotiation of agreements, including subawards. Assist and advise staff in budget preparation and interpretation of sponsor terms and conditions; Provide training to SPARCS staff and the research community. Disseminate regulatory directives and policy updates to relevant stakeholders. The Director serves as the primary Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) and holds signature authority for proposals and contractual agreements related to research.
Supporting the preparation and processing of proposals, acceptance of awards, and negotiation of agreements, including subawards. Assist and advise staff in budget preparation and interpretation of sponsor terms and conditions; Provide training to SPARCS staff and the research community. Disseminate regulatory directives and policy updates to relevant stakeholders. The Director serves as the primary Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) and holds signature authority for proposals and contractual agreements related to research.
Collaboration and Innovation
Work effectively with University Legal Counsel, Office of Research Commercialization, Office of Information and Communication, and College Research Offices. Identify and implement creative and innovative solutions to sponsored project issues. Maintain and update business processes for efficiency and compliance. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and hands-on approach to problem-solving. Ensure the highest level of customer service to campus and sponsors.
Work effectively with University Legal Counsel, Office of Research Commercialization, Office of Information and Communication, and College Research Offices. Identify and implement creative and innovative solutions to sponsored project issues. Maintain and update business processes for efficiency and compliance. Demonstrate a strong work ethic and hands-on approach to problem-solving. Ensure the highest level of customer service to campus and sponsors.
Policy and Liaison
Assist in the development and revision of University policies and procedures related to sponsored projects. Assess policy exception requests and make risk-based decisions. Maintain positive working relationships with federal agencies and strategic partners.
Assist in the development and revision of University policies and procedures related to sponsored projects. Assess policy exception requests and make risk-based decisions. Maintain positive working relationships with federal agencies and strategic partners.
Minimum Education and Experience
Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
- Four years experience in research administration in an academic setting, preferably at a university with high (R2) or very high (R1) research activity.
Prior managerial experience and significant hands-on experience in pre-award research administration and/or award negotiation. - Extensive knowledge of federal regulations and OMB circulars relevant to university sponsored programs and experience reviewing award and contract terms
- Strong evidence of success as a leader
- Well-developed communication skills
- Ability to work with research faculty, grants managers, legal counsel and senior administrative officers
- Thorough understanding of current public policy issues in the academic research arena
Preferred Qualifications
- Post-baccalaureate degree, Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
- Working knowledge of sponsor grants management portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, ProposalCentral and ezFedgrants.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required
NoCommercial Driver's License required
NoJob Open Date
08/06/2024Anticipated Close Date
Open Until FilledSpecial Instructions to Applicants
In addition to your application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and the contact information for at least three (3) professional references.
Position Number
00007991Position Type
EHRA Non-FacultyFull Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0Appointment
12 Month RecurringMandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse WeatherMandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency EventDepartment ID
060101 - Office of Research & Innovation (ORI)AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
*Please mention you saw this ad on DisabledInHigherEducation.*
Be Seen By Recruiters at the Best Organizations
Create Your FREE Profile Now!
Jobs in Popular Cities
