Director for Sponsored Projects

Overview

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University’s entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world – and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

SMU is a private research university with a legacy of scholarly impact, creating knowledge and leaders through research and graduate education. The Office of Research provides support services for faculty and graduate students to advance the University’s research agenda. 

About the Position:

The Director for Sponsored Projects is part of the Office of Research and reports to the Associate Provost for Research. The positions  supervises a team with the responsibilities of proposal development, advanced institutional review and preliminary approval of proposals, tech transfer, issuance of subcontracts, and maintenance of records.

Essential Functions:

• Direct a team of individuals in the proposal development, advanced institutional review and preliminary approval of proposals, tech transfer, issuance of subcontracts, and maintenance of records.  Director generates cogent, data driven, oral and written reports to make recommendations, illustrate goals, milestones, and progress

• Work closely with the Office of Legal Affairs, and with colleagues in the University’s nine schools to protect the interests of the University through review, negotiation, and approval of terms and conditions of external awards, contracts, and tech transfer agreements, and to insure compliance with Federal, State, University, and sponsor requirements.

• Serve as the Authorized Official on proposals submitted by the University on behalf of faculty and staff, and accepts grants on behalf of the University

• Primary responsibility for ensuring faculty customers are aware of changes in federal regulations and proposal deadlines, and new funding opportunities.

• Schedule and coordinates regular training for faculty in proposal development, project management, responsible conduct of research, and compliance issues.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, leadership and staff of the University’s nine schools, and insures these customers receive prompt and effective communication.

• Develop and maintain collegial and collaborative relationships with counterparts at other universities, especially those in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

Education and Experience:

Master's degree is required.

A minimum of five years of professional work experience in research administration is required.

Experience leading and managing a professional staff is also required. The ability to provide focus and motivation to a professional staff is essential.

Strong leadership, supervisory and team building experience is preferred, as is experience with change management.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies, including external communities. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time management skills, as well as an ability to delegate tasks effectively. Strong negotiation skills are essential.

Candidate must demonstrate professional presentation skills with the ability to present clear and accurate information to small and large groups.

Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).

Knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance for Federal Awards is required. Knowledge of regulations on export control, IRB, and animal care preferred. Research Administration Certification desired.

Candidate must have broad and current knowledge of Federal regulations and guidelines as they relate to sponsored research. Must also have a strong understanding of Federal, State, and private funding sources, and regulations governing access to those funds by a private, not-for-profit university.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 22, 2022.

The position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.