Director, Sponsored Programs - Contracts

Unleash YOUR Potential With Us 

As a next-generation public research institute, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you will play an integral role in pushing us forward to become among the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck. We’re seeking qualified, motivated individuals who will help UCF fulfill its mission in unleashing the potential of every individual, enriching the human experience through inclusion, discovery, and innovation; and propelling broad-based prosperity for the many communities we serve. 

The Opportunity  

Responsible for the oversight and implementation of research contracts and related agreements under the direction of the Associate Vice President of Research. The Director supervises a dynamic team of research contracts personnel. In Fiscal Year 2022 the team processed nearly 1400 agreements totaling over $200 million.

 

Responsibilities:  

• Provides effective leadership, direction, supervision, training, and mentorship to research contracts personnel in support of the Vice President and Associate Vice President of Research and the missions of the office and university.
•  Knowledge of federal and other sponsor regulations governing contract and grant administration, including 2 CFR 200, the Federal Acquisition Regulations, state law, and university policies and procedures. General knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relating to the protection of human subjects, animal welfare, intellectual property, conflict of interest, privacy and data security, export control, and facilities security.
• Knowledge of the necessary operational requirements needed for the efficient and effective development, review, and execution of sponsored contracts and related agreements, including systems and personnel requirements.
• Supports the development of contracts and related agreements, review, and approval of external agreements, negotiations with external parties, and the execution of contracts to support the research and service missions of the university.
• Promotes review and improvement of the administrative procedures governing research contracts to ensure the highest quality service is provided to all principal investigators.
• Participates with senior administration in the development of policies to promote research contracts that support the University’s objectives.
• Coordinate the training, coaching, and mentoring of Contracts Office staff to ensure professional growth and development.
• Works closely with faculty, academic leaders, and managers of key business units to resolve issues and develop procedures that foster the smooth functioning of sponsored programs.
• Coordinates with other Office of Research and University personnel to ensure effective communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Fiduciary responsibility through signature authority on behalf of the University of Central Florida.
• Serves as liaison with a variety of agencies and professional groups to remain current with developments and to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
• Facilitates communication regarding emerging opportunities to the university community.
• Stimulates the formation of innovative research ideas and translational research endeavors.
• Provides other support to the Associate Vice President of Research as required.

 

Minimum Qualifications:  

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Broad experience in research administration, research contracts, legal terms, strong interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations.
•  Superb coordination and communication with senior management, research administrators, principal investigators, and other areas of the university.
• Ideal candidates will hold a CRA, CPRA, or CFRA certification.
• Juris Doctor or Master’s in Research Administration preferred.
• Demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills and critical analysis abilities.
• Demonstrates ability to train, develop and motivate a large research administration contracts team.
•  Previous experience working in a university setting is preferred. 

Special Instructions to the Applicants: 

• Remote/Hybrid work available within the State of Florida may be considered based on specific circumstances.
• If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based on the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Are Benefits Important to You? 

Working at UCF has its perks!  In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers: 

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program 
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays. 

• Retirement savings options 
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 
• Education assistance 
• Flexible work environment 
• And more…For more benefits information, go to UCF Employee Benefits Guide (12-14-21) 

 

Who Are We? 

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 220-degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete, online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more. 

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins. 

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions: 

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela. 

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates. 

Department

Office of Research - Operations

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday, flexible work schedule, with manager approval.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$122,980.00 to Negotiable

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

As an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, UCF encourages all qualified applicants to apply, including women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of traditionally underrepresented populations. UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at  http://www.oie.ucf.edu/documents/PresidentsStatement.pdf.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.

Contact Information

Background Information

Target Job Information