Director of Sponsored Programs Administration

Definition of Class

This position provides leadership and support for the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) activities of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. The incumbent is responsible for guiding pre and post-award activities, with oversight of proposal and budget preparation, submittals, compliance, and fiscal management of awards. This position must see that all related activity adheres to appropriate federal, state, and University policies and regulations. The incumbent frequently exercises discretion and independent judgment in identifying and responding to funding opportunities based on extensive knowledge of the University research expertise. This position reports to the Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development.

Examples of Work Performed

• Reviews proposals for compliance with federal, state and institutional rules and regulations prior to submission.
• Makes determinations for authorization of outgoing proposals and sponsored agreements.
• Reviews sponsored agreements prior to acceptance, insuring compliance with federal, state and institutional polices, regulations and statues.
• Assists the institution in minimizing compliance risk by staying up to date with all relevant statutes, regulations guidelines, polices and processes.
• Develops and implements policies consistent with federal and state regulations, guidelines and best practices.
• Creates and delivers training programs for principal investigators and research administrators.
• Establishes and implements document retention policies and processes for sponsored programs relevant to state and federal rules and regulations.
• Provides leadership to staff and acts as a resource to campus research community on the interpretation and administration of all relevant federal and state guidelines and regulations.
• Ensures provision of excellent customer assistance to faculty, staff, and personnel from external agencies and offices, while providing institutional oversight and sponsor stewardship.
• Develops streamlined processes that take into consideration sound business management practices related to pre and post- award research administration services.
• Monitors and assesses performance with appropriate metric and evaluation techniques.
• Provides guidance and interpretation of new federal guidelines and regulations.
• Works alongside other Directors and Executive Directors in the division to support the research enterprise.
• Performs similar or related duties as assigned or required.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following. Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Exercises signatory authority over outgoing proposals and sponsored program agreements.
2. Ensures compliance with federal, state and institutional policies and procedures relevant to sponsored programs.
3. Oversees administrative processes, leads strategic planning, and develops strategic initiatives.
4. Provides executive leadership in assessing the effectiveness of the administrative functions of the unit and using results of these assessments to lead improvements of the unit and alignment with the divisions other units.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education:
Master’s degree in Administration, Science, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.

 

AND

 

Experience:

Five (5) years of experience related to the above described duties, with progressively increasing responsibility in previous roles and a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or management position.

 

Substitution Statement:

Related experience may be substituted for education, on a basis set forth and approved by the Department of Human Resources.

 

Interview Requirements:

Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Application Procedures

A complete application should include a curriculum vitae and a Letter of Interest outlining the unique qualifications and experience of the applicant as they align to this role.

Salary/Wage Information

To learn more about our pay structure and view our salary ranges, click here to visit the Compensation page of our Human Resources website. This link is provided for general pay information. Hourly rate or salary may vary depending on qualifications, experience, and departmental budget. Note: Unclassified positions (faculty, executives, researchers and coaches) do not have established salary ranges.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.