Assistant Director, Office of Sponsored Programs – Administrative Services

James Madison University•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

The Assistant Director within the Office of Sponsored Programs-Administrative Services plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of external funding at James Madison University, including oversight of the grants specialists team and coordinating with other stakeholders. Additionally, the Assistant Director reviews research and related contracts, preparing guidance for the university's Authorized Organizational Representatives to support negotiation and signing. Finally, the Assistant Director also oversees the development of training material for the campus community.

Requirements

An advanced degree in research administration or extensive experience in research administration with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Familiarity with the pre-award process, including budget development
Prior experience with electronic research systems
Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritizing assignments in a deadline-driven environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

University and Sponsored Programs experience
Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
Ability to use multiple software systems, including research administration software platforms
Demonstrated supervisory skills

Responsibilities

Oversight of the grants specialists team: This position exercises authority in leading and directing a team of grants specialists, including setting priorities and ensuring consistent application of organizational standards across all sponsored project proposals, with a special emphasis on budgets. Duties include supervising the team so that funding proposals are developed, reviewed, and submitted efficiently and effectively in accordance with university policies and procedures and sponsor guidelines, as well as arranging appropriate professional development for the team. Furthermore, as JMU is an emerging R2 institution with a growing research portfolio, the position, in collaboration with OSP-AS leadership, will develop new workflows and processes to further streamline operations.
Contract review: The position provides front-line analysis of contractual provisions in research and related contracts to confirm compliance with organizational policies and standards, recommending revisions and coordinating with leadership (particularly the OSP-AS Director) on nonstandard terms. The Assistant Director identifies such terms, prepares contract summaries, and suggests alternative language as appropriate, typically in coordination with University Counsel and other stakeholders (e.g., the Intellectual Property officer or Information Security officer). As appropriate, the Assistant Director assists with negotiations.
Resource and training development: The position provides oversight and decision-making authority for designing and maintaining JMU’s budgeting training framework, especially setting programmatic priorities. These include internal resources for the OSP-AS team (e.g, trainings relevant to grants specialists) as well as trainings for the Principal Investigator community (e.g., what a PI needs to know about specific funder budgeting policies). In the frequently-evolving funding landscape, this includes developing in-house trainings on specific sponsors, electronic systems, and/or new regulations.
Coordination with other stakeholders: The Assistant Director coordinates with other offices across campus to facilitate timely submission of competitive sponsored program proposals.
Sponsored Programs administrative services as appropriate: The assistant director should excel as a senior grants specialist and be able to personally oversee budget development, proposal review, and provide related services, especially for particularly difficult programs (e.g., those with international funders, significant cost share commitments, etc.).
Contribute to the strategic planning and smooth operation of OSP-AS: A key responsibility of the Assistant Director is the drafting of appropriate policies and procedures for the review of the Director and other OSP-AS leadership. The policies and procedures should streamline the operation of OSP-AS, ensure adherence to research administration best practices, and ensure JMU’s continued eligibility for federal and state funding.