Associate Director of Research Administration - Proposal and Contracting Services

Colorado School of Mines•Colorado, CO

5d•$110,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Research Administration – Proposal and Contracting Services provides oversight for proposal and contracting functions within the Colorado School of Mines Office of Research Administration (ORA). Reporting to the Senior Director of Business Services & Research Administration, the role supports faculty and administrators in sponsored research and ensures efficient, effective business processes and high-quality service for the research community. The Associate Director manages the Pre-Award team, including proposal analysis and sponsored project contracts, and leads staffing, work prioritization, performance management, professional development, and standard operating procedure development. The role provides expertise on regulatory and policy matters, develops compliant policies and processes, maintains research and financial systems, and designs training and outreach for ORA staff, faculty, and campus administrators. The position oversees complex proposal review and submission, carries delegated signature authority for proposals, and guides cost negotiations with sponsors. It also oversees the Contracting unit’s review and acceptance of sponsored project and intellectual property agreements, working with campus partners to maintain effective contracting policies, processes, and risk management. The Associate Director collaborates with the Vice President of Research on technology and process improvements, including system integrations and automation. Colorado School of Mines provides professional development and role-specific onboarding. The position may be hybrid in Colorado but requires on-campus presence at least three days per week.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in business or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in sponsored project administration.
Significant, progressive experience in sponsored project proposal and contract management.
Working knowledge of federal requirements and other pertinent external regulations.
Familiarity with technology transfer and intellectual property contract negotiations.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Problem-solving and analytical skills to optimize independent decisions.
Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
At least 5 years of experience supervising, managing, and training professional staff.
Experience with sponsored project information and submission systems at institutional and federal or sponsor levels.
Skill in establishing and fostering a cooperative work environment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in business or a related field.
Working knowledge of public higher education systems.
Experience with technology transfer and intellectual property negotiations.

Responsibilities

Manage the Pre-Award team, including hiring, performance reviews, and resolution of personnel concerns.
Prioritize work based on deadlines, complexity, and available resources, and develop reports to provide performance metrics.
Resolve complex questions and issues independently or in collaboration with the ORA Director.
Develop a skilled, engaged, service-oriented team and support staff development and progression.
Ensure performance plans include role-based professional development goals.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all Pre-Award functions.
Provide regulatory and policy expertise and consultation to ORA staff, department administrators, and faculty.
Maintain knowledge of current and pending federal regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and basic Cost Accounting Standards.
Develop policies and processes that comply with federal regulations, Mines policy, and sponsor requirements.
Assist in maintaining ORA research management software and the School’s financial system, and ensure quality control of system data.
Design and implement training on process changes; develop audience-appropriate training materials and maintain Pre-Award information on the ORA website.
Carry delegated signature authority for proposals and certify institutional compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Lead review of complex proposals, including proposals to large organizations with multiple budgets and detailed compliance requirements.
Ensure team members conduct sponsor cost negotiations, justify costs, and explain School policies and business practices.
Collaborate with the Vice President of Research to plan, develop, and manage technology projects that streamline proposals, such as integrations, AI, and automation.
Oversee the Contracting unit’s review and acceptance of sponsored project and intellectual property agreements.
Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel, IP commercialization team, and Office of the Vice President of Research on the School’s contracting framework.
Maintain efficient Contracting unit policies and procedures through process evaluation, best-practice research, data analysis, and risk assessment.
Manage contract negotiation processes and timelines by sponsor type, and implement technologies to modernize processes while balancing compliance and institutional risk.

Benefits

Flexible health and dental care options.
Generous sick and vacation time.
13 paid holidays per year, including a week-long campus winter break.
Fully vested retirement plan from the first day of employment, with an employer contribution.
Tuition benefits: six credits per year for employees and a 50 percent discount for dependents.
Free RTD Ecopass.
Access to State of Colorado discount programs.
Free tickets to Mines Athletics home games.
Access to the Recreation Center, including fitness classes, training, and a swimming pool.
Equipment rentals through the Outdoor Recreation Center.
Access to an on-campus daycare center.
Professional development and training.