The Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) plays a critical senior leadership role, overseeing the full lifecycle of grants and contracts management—from pre-award through post-award—to ensure compliance with institutional policies, state and federal regulations, and sponsor-specific requirements. This position is essential in advancing the university’s research mission by leveraging advanced grants management systems, optimizing operational processes, and fostering collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.

Preferences:

Master’s Degree preferred.

Proven success in implementing system integrations and process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Knowledge of compliance standards for international research collaborations.

Proficiency with advanced grants management systems, such as Kuali Research,
Workday, or PeopleSoft.

Demonstrated ability to lead teams, foster a collaborative work environment, and build productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.

Licenses/ Certifications:

Certification in research administration (e.g., CRA, CPRA) or eligibility for certification within six months of hire.

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field

 

Experience:

 

·5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in grants and contracts administration, with preference for experience at R1 or R2 research institutions.

 

· Demonstrated expertise in all phases of the grants management lifecycle, including proposal development, award negotiations, post-award financial practices, and compliance.

 

· Comprehensive knowledge of federal funding regulations and requirements (e.g., NIH,NSF, DoD).

 

· Experience in managing philanthropic and NGO grants, ensuring adherence to donor-specific requirements.

 

· Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Additional Job Details

Key Responsibilities:

·       Leadership & Strategy:
Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) staff and departmental grants teams. Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the university’s research priorities while promoting efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness in all grants-related processes.

·       Grants Lifecycle Management:
Oversee all phases of the grants management lifecycle to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processes:

o   Pre-Award: Lead proposal development activities, including budget preparation, compliance reviews, and submission coordination. Work closely with faculty and research teams to support high-quality and competitive grant proposals.

o   Award Acceptance: Negotiate and finalize award terms and conditions with sponsors, execute grant agreements, and efficiently establish award accounts in institutional systems.

o   Post-Award: Monitor and manage the financial and administrative aspects of awarded grants, including accurate cost allocations, compliance with sponsor requirements, timely financial reporting, and effective post-award billing and financial management.

·       Systems Optimization:
Lead efforts to streamline grants management operations through advanced technology systems such as Kuali Research and Workday. Enhance data-driven decision-making by optimizing reporting tools and ensuring seamless integration with institutional financial platforms.

·       Compliance & Audit:
Ensure strict adherence to institutional policies, OMB Uniform Guidance, and sponsor-specific regulations. Oversee audit preparation, manage responses to external and internal reviews, and maintain institutional readiness for sponsor audits.

·       Training & Communication:
Design and deliver training programs for faculty, researchers, and staff to promote understanding of grants processes, compliance requirements, and effective system utilization. Serve as a central liaison, fostering transparency and collaboration within the university’s research community.

·       Collaboration:
Partner with University Advancement to oversee the administration of philanthropic and NGO grants, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and institutional priorities. Build and maintain strong relationships with federal and non-federal sponsors to support ongoing and future research initiatives.

Required Application Materials:

A Cover letter, resume, and list of 3 professional references

Best Consideration Date:

February 15, 2025

To apply, please visit: https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCES/details/Director-of-Sponsored-Programs_JR100507

This is a full-time regular exempt position with full benefits, including excellent health, vision, prescription and dental insurance, retirement plans, tuition remission, paid holidays and paid annual, sick and personal leave.