Director, Office of Research Support and Sponsored Programs

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for directing the university's compliance related to federal and non-federal grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts and for the ORSSP providing superior assistance and guidance to faculty and staff with their sponsored research activities. The Director is responsible for working with faculty and deans on program needs and assisting in the identification of potential funding sources, coordination of the preparation, submission and review of selected grant proposals, and providing internal communication to the academic community regarding grant opportunities. The Director assists in the communication with funding agencies and in the development of policies for sponsored projects.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Provides administrators with interpretations of federal and non-federal grant-related laws, regulations, policies and procedures to ensure compliance, reduce fraud, and mitigate risk.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures to provide internal controls over award activities and expenditures; monitors and guides researcher activities and expenditures to ensure compliance.
• Supervises ORSSP staff; develops internal controls for active awards, proposals, and researchers; manages ORSSP budget; analyzes research impact data and writes reports.
• Leads ORSSP in providing superior customer service to internal and external stakeholders; understands and mentors the staff in effectively meeting both compliance and customer service requirements of ORSSP.
• Serves as liaison for all external grant fund and financial audits; works with other business units and external auditors; writes responses to findings and corrective action plans.
• Develops the strategic research fundraising plan; ensures the effective use of information management software.
• Sets Office of Sponsored Programs priorities and protocols as approved by the VP for Economic Development and Land-Grant Affairs.
• Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines staff.
• Develops and submits unit assessments.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to increase unit efficiency and effectiveness.
• Coordinates the work of conflict resolution committee; consults with researchers to correct activities deemed noncompliant; provides auditors with proof of corrective actions.
• Directs the production of the ORSSP newsletter and the Standard Operating Procedures Manual.
• Supervises the delivery of specialized technical assistance workshops to faculty and staff.
• Leads contract development and negotiation for proposed grants and contract partnerships.
• Researches and identifies technology transfer, research commercialization, and new revenue opportunities.
• Ensures on-time submission, completeness, competitiveness, and compliance of grant applications.
• Diversifies the research-funding portfolio; matches funding opportunities with faculty research programs.
• Facilitates the development of the university's out-of-state funding economic impact; advises on ways to develop the research enterprise; develops and reports research revenue and expenditure statistics.
• Assists in the negotiation of the indirect cost rate with federal agencies.
• Monitors research and programs requiring review by the Institutional Review Board, Human Subjects, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of federal and non-federal grant requirements.
• Knowledge of professional research administration principles.
• Knowledge of funding sources.
• Knowledge of internal control procedures.
• Knowledge of program management and auditing principles.
• Skill in the operation of computers and job related software programs.
• Skill in decision making and problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Vice President for Economic Development and Land-Grant Affairs assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The supervisor reviews work through conferences, reports and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance for all federal agencies, State of Georgia business practices manuals, Title III policies and procedures, and university and Board of Regents policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. This position develops department guidelines.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied duties in directing the university's sponsored program operations and the Office's service to internal and external stakeholders, reflecting superior customer service consistent with the Institution's values. Strict regulations and deadlines contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to oversee the administration, management, and compliance of sponsored programs, while also providing excellent customer service to the campus community.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other university personnel, external constituents, alumni, partner organizations, and funding agencies.
• Contacts are typically to motivate or influence persons, resolve problems, or negotiate matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over Pre-Awards Coordinator (1) and Post-Awards Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• Five years of related experience is required.