Assistant / Associate Director, Research Administration

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of research administration and compliance, including pre-award and post-award management of sponsored research projects funded by federal, state, and private sponsors. Responsibilities include coordinating proposal submissions and award administration, ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations, university policies, and federal requirements, monitoring effort reporting and financial obligations, and advising faculty and staff on complex research administration matters. The role also supports risk management by identifying compliance concerns, maintaining internal controls, and promoting continuous improvement in research administration practices. In addition, the position supervises and develops a team of research administration professionals through recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management. The role supports strategic and operational planning, drives process improvements to enhance efficiency and service excellence, serves as a liaison between academic departments and central administrative offices, and promotes consistent implementation of research administration best practices across the organization. This position is based in Gainesville, Florida, and is primarily an on-campus role. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility available within normal business hours. May require additional hours during peak times to meet operational needs. As a member of one of the nation’s leading public research universities, you’ll contribute to groundbreaking research initiatives while working alongside world-class faculty and administrative professionals. The University of Florida offers a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to advancing research that improves lives and communities around the world. Join us and help support the research enterprise that drives innovation and discovery at the University of Florida.

Requirements

Assistant Director position requires a master’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience.
Associate Director position requires a master’s degree and four years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree and six years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in research administration, contracts and grants management, or higher education finance.
Knowledge of sponsored programs regulations and compliance requirements.
Experience supervising staff and managing administrative operations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Excellent organizational skills.
Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively.
Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.
Proactive leader who combines technical expertise in research administration with a commitment to exceptional customer service.
Ability to thrive in a collaborative academic environment.
Sound judgment.
Ability to balance compliance requirements with operational effectiveness.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and oversight for all aspects of research administration and compliance, including pre-award and post-award management of sponsored research projects funded by federal, state, and private sponsors.
Coordinates proposal submissions and award administration.
Ensures compliance with sponsor regulations, university policies, and federal requirements.
Monitors effort reporting and financial obligations.
Advises faculty and staff on complex research administration matters.
Supports risk management by identifying compliance concerns, maintaining internal controls, and promoting continuous improvement in research administration practices.
Supervises and develops a team of research administration professionals through recruitment, training, mentoring, and performance management.
Supports strategic and operational planning.
Drives process improvements to enhance efficiency and service excellence.
Serves as a liaison between academic departments and central administrative offices.
Promotes consistent implementation of research administration best practices across the organization.