Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides operational leadership and oversight for the central sponsored programs administration unit at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, encompassing pre-award, research contracting, and post-award administration (including research accounting). Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Administration (ORA), who holds overall responsibility for research administration lifecycle strategy and performance, this role is accountable for executing that strategy through effective operations, consistent processes, and high-quality service delivery across OSP units. The Director ensures that day-to-day operations are aligned, efficient, and compliant, while working in close partnership with Campus Research Services and other stakeholders to deliver a coordinated, "faculty-first" support model for the university’s research community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration across pre-award, contracting, and post-award functions at an R1 University
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multiple functional units and leaders
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements
• Experience with research financial management and accounting principles
• Strong operational leadership and execution skills
• Ability to drive accountability across multiple functions
• Deep understanding of sponsored programs lifecycle operations, including contracting and research accounting
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to compliance, service excellence, and continuous improvement
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in accounting, business, or public administration
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent certification
• Familiarity with electronic research administration and financial systems (e.g., Cayuse, Workday, InfoEd, or similar)

Responsibilities

• Translate institutional strategy into effective operational practices across OSP units.
• Ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant execution of sponsored programs processes.
• Align staffing, workflows, and service delivery with institutional priorities and research growth.
• Maintain strong partnership and coordination with the Director, Campus Research Services, to support enterprise-wide business processes and performance goals.
• Provide direct leadership and support to the Director of Pre-Award, Director of Research Contracting, and Director of Post-Award units.
• Serve as a key resource and escalation point for unit directors and their staff, providing guidance on complex operational, compliance, and policy matters.
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability for each unit leader.
• Ensure leaders effectively manage their respective operations in alignment with standardized processes and service expectations.
• Monitor operational performance across all units, including proposal timelines, contract cycle times, financial oversight effectiveness & accuracy, and compliance outcomes.
• Partner with the Director, Campus Research Services and Director, Research Integrity and compliance to ensure that all sponsored programs activities comply with applicable federal, state, and sponsor regulations.
• Oversee implementation of regulatory requirements (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) through consistent operational practices.
• Provide guidance to unit directors on regulatory interpretation and compliance expectations.
• Ensure strong internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across all functional areas.
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the sponsored programs lifecycle.
• Partner closely with Campus Research Services (CRS), other ORA units, and college/department units to deliver a coordinated, seamless, "faculty-first" experience across the research lifecycle.
• Ensure OSP processes and services are transparent, responsive, and aligned with faculty needs.
• Support development of tools, guidance, and training that improve faculty engagement and administrative efficiency.
• Maintain clear, well-documented policies and procedures across all OSP functions.
• Identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks through strong internal controls and process discipline.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining a strong partnership with CRS leadership and campus units to optimize business process workflows, system use, and service delivery.
• Promote standardization, automation, and data-informed decision-making across OSP units.
• Ensure alignment between research administration systems and institutional financial systems.

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director