Director, Sponsored Programs Administration

Overview

In collaboration with University research leadership, the Director of Sponsored Programs Administration (Contract Negotiations) will lead all aspects of the University's sponsored programs contractual operations, including oversight of clinical trial agreements, sponsored research agreements, and state and federal contracts. Responsibilities include strategic and operational management of contractual standards and processes, providing oversight and accountability for sponsored programs contractual negotiations and nonfinancial research support agreement functions, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Contracts Division of the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration. Duties also include liaising with other divisions both within the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation (EVPRI) and across the University. They will have the unique opportunity to work with an inspiring collection of faculty researchers, clinician scientists, and staff members who are passionate about advancing research, healthcare, and other sponsored activities.

JOB DUTIES INCLUDE

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for sponsored programs, with an emphasis on contractual matters; review, develop, update, and administer contractual policies, procedures, and position standards, ensuring compliance with sponsor, state, federal, and institutional guidelines and regulations.
• Coordinate and oversee key functional areas within the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, specifically contractual negotiations, nonfinancial research support agreements, and special projects requiring significant intra-unit and intra-institutional coordination.   
• Supervise, mentor, and collaborate with managerial level personnel and sponsored programs contract negotiators.
• Provide oversight and accountability for sponsored programs contractual outcomes, including compliance with relevant standards and requirements, negotiation turnaround timelines, and negotiation completion goals. 
• Serve as an authorized signatory for Office of Sponsored Programs Administration projects in accordance with university signature authority delegation.
• Maintain an advanced knowledge and understanding of federal regulations (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance), state laws, and university policies and advise research leadership on compliance matters and emerging trends that may affect the conduct of sponsored programs at the University.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external constituents on contractual operations and matters; coordinate with UofL counsel’s office on legal matters pertaining to sponsored projects.
• Develop and deliver institutional and strategic metric reports in support of internal business decision making.
• Serve as Office of Sponsored Programs Administration Liaison to University Counsel’s Office, coordinating with counsel’s office to address ongoing legal matters affecting research at the University, and to notify counsel’s office of trends in legal matters arising from such research.
• Foster a strong culture of customer service, partnership, professionalism, and accountability within the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration.
• Perform other work related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree and eight years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for the requirements noted. Grade EI Salary Minimum $66,153

Preferred Qualifications

JD, MBA, or a Master's degree in a related field and eight years of related experience. JD preferred.

The Office of the EVPRI strives to exceed customer expectations and seeks a highly motivated candidate with an excellent customer support orientation and strong interpersonal skills. Candidates should demonstrate sound, ethical decision making ability and balanced judgment, with the flexibility of thought and style needed to maximize benefit to University stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be comfortable as a visible and innovative leader in contractual negotiations and management, have advanced organizational and analytical skills, and prior leadership experience in a research intensive institution. They will be a dependable leader, team member, and prospective thinker, able to lead organizational change and align sponsored programs with the goals and vision of the University.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, or veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact the Employment team at employment@louisville.edu or 502.852.6258.