Overview

Job Location:
Main Campus

Title                                         Director

Direct Supervisor VP for Research

Status                                     Full-Time, Exempt

No. Direct Reports            1-7

Target Weekly Hours     32 -40

Location                                 Main Campus

Benefits Eligibility             Yes
 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Administration and Oversight

  • Provide the Office of Sponsored Programs with strategic administrative oversight for setting and advancing funding priorities that enhance the University’s sponsored funding capacity.

  • Administer and ensure compliance across a diverse and complex portfolio of grants and contracts, maintaining alignment with University policies, sponsor requirements, and federal regulations.

  • Develop, refine, and implement operational policies and procedures to strengthen grant submission processes, fiscal management, and reporting functions.

2. Grant Administration and Fiscal Management

  • Oversee all pre-award and post-award operations, including proposal development, budget preparation, grants submission, financial reporting, and award closeout.

  • Ensure the accurate allocation and monitoring of sponsored funds, consistent with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations.

  • Provide comprehensive financial oversight of sponsored projects, including conducting audits, reconciliations, and risk assessments, and overseeing accounts payable and receivable processes to safeguard financial integrity.

3. Institutional Duties

  • Serve as the principal liaison among the Vice President for Research, principal investigators, OSP staff, and the Finance and Procurement Departments to support the successful and timely execution of sponsored agreements.

  • Assess operational training needs and develop staff training programs to promote excellence in grants administration, compliance, and financial management for OSP personnel, principal investigators, and associated research staff.

  • Provide individualized support to faculty and staff in the identification and management of external funding opportunities and compliance with award requirements.

4. Strategic Initiatives

  • Collaborate with the University’s senior leadership, including the Provost, Deans, and Department Chairs, to align sponsored program initiatives with institutional strategic priorities.

  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with federal, state, and private funding agencies to expand the University’s sponsored program opportunities.

  • Support the development and management of large-scale, interdisciplinary grant initiatives.

5. Compliance and Reporting

  • Maintain regular communication and provide formal reports to the Vice President for Research regarding the status of the sponsored programs portfolio.

  • Oversee all aspects of regulatory compliance pertaining to sponsored programs, ensuring adherence to the requirements set forth by federal agencies such as NIH, NSF, and HRSA.

  • Monitor internal controls and provide comprehensive monthly reports detailing grant performance, compliance issues, invoicing, receivables, and other emerging matters.

OTHER KEY DUTIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

  • Demonstrate proficiency in grants management systems, with particular expertise in the Workday platform and similar systems utilized for financial tracking and grants administration.

  • Exhibit comprehensive knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored programs, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).

  • Apply strong analytical and technical skills to optimize and streamline grants administration workflows.

  • Maintain a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Office of Sponsored Programs.

  • Analyze funding trends and performance data to support strategic decision-making.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President for Research.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education:

  • Master’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field with special attention to finance/accounting administration.

Experience:

  • A minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in academic sponsored programs administration, grants management, or related fields in a higher education setting.

  • Demonstrated success in the management of complex grant portfolios and financial operations, including pre-award and post-award functions.

Licenses or Certifications:

  • Accounting certification preferred.

  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) designation or equivalent credential highly desirable.

Financial Responsibility:

  • Ensure the responsible oversight and stewardship of sponsored program budgets, in strict accordance with University policies, the Finance Department’s guidance, and sponsoring agency requirements.

Supervision:

  • Directly supervise a team of grants administrators and support personnel, conducting regular performance evaluations, offering professional development opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Special Knowledge:

  • Advanced proficiency with grants management and financial tracking systems, specifically the Workday platform.

  • In-depth familiarity with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and federal agency regulations.

  • Expertise in budget management, compliance oversight, and the generation of comprehensive financial and programmatic reports.

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission.  The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission.  For more information, please visit:  https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/