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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · 1 day ago

Director, Sponsored Programs Administration Pre-Award

Urbana, IL

Full-time

Hybrid

Director/Executive

$145K/yr - $165K/yr

10+ years exp

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a public land-grant research university dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and public engagement. The Director of Sponsored Programs Administration Pre-Award will provide strategic and operational leadership for Pre-Award sponsored programs, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and overseeing the entire sponsored project lifecycle.

Higher Education

No H1B

Responsibilities

Work in close collaboration with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (AVCRI) and the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Directors to manage the institutional sponsored portfolio. Establish and maintain Pre-Award standard operating procedures for processing and records management, proposal submission, award negotiation, and subaward issuance to ensure efficient service delivery

Interpret, develop, and implement policies and procedures related to Pre-Award administration, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws, sponsor regulations and University requirements. Monitor policy changes from sponsoring agencies, assess impacts to SPA Pre-Award and lead implementation efforts. Collaborate with the AVCRI to identify policy gaps, recommend improvements and/or changes to align with SPA’s mission

Supervise SPA Pre-Award Associate Directors and/or Assistant Directors and oversee their management of operational teams. Conduct performance appraisals, approve leave, monitor workloads and address disciplinary matters. Support career development and provide guidance for effective team leadership. Work in close collaboration with the AVCRI and SPA Directors to ensure functional support and resources across the lifecycle is sufficient for SPA operations

Oversee electronic research systems supporting Pre-Award functions. Evaluate administrative processes to identify opportunities for improvement, such as the integration of artificial intelligence, to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency. Collaborate with SPA Directors to implement integrated automated workflows across the sponsored project lifecycle. Lead Pre-Award data collection, interpretation and analysis to improve quality, inform strategic decisions and advance SPA and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI) goals. Respond to Pre-Award information requests and provide guidance as necessary

Develop and implement Pre-Award focused training and outreach efforts for the institutional research community. Support Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC) activities and other relevant venues. Develop and present updates to these programs as needed as related to the Pre-Award operations

Analyze and monitor federal, state and sponsoring agency policy and regulatory changes impacting the University’s research enterprise. Assess institutional impact, advise campus leadership and stakeholders on critical and/or sensitive issues impacting research administration. Assist in the implementation of new regulatory requirements, including the development of University policies and procedures

Represent SPA Pre-Award at national, regional and institutional meetings. Serve as a delegated signatory for the University Comptroller. Provide leadership and direction with other duties appropriate for the position of SPA Director Pre-Award

Qualification

Research administrationFederal research policiesLeadershipAnalytical skillsTraining program developmentAutomated workflowsInterpersonal skillsCommunication skillsMentoring skills

Required

Bachelor's degree

A minimum of ten years relevant work experience, including demonstrated leadership, organizational and administrative skills related to Pre-Award administration in a complex academic research institution

A minimum of five years of supervisory experience or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to lead teams and individuals to develop and accomplish shared goals

Comprehensive understanding about federal research policies, practices, and trends

Demonstrated leadership skills that reflect a dynamic, collegial, consensus-building style

Strong commitment to the development of high quality training programs for University staff

Demonstrated administrative skills to organize and manage a customer-service oriented work environment that adheres to complex regulations and guidelines while developing effective internal research administration support

Demonstrated leadership skills to identify and develop successful strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives

Highly developed verbal and written communications skills

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Strong analytical skills

Effective mentoring skills

Commitment to establish a work environment that encourages personal growth and professional advancement

Preferred

Master's degree preferred but a Bachelor of Science will be considered/accepted if accompanied by equivalent experience in research administration

Ten years of research administration experience preferably at a large academic research institution

Demonstrate understanding and leadership in the development and enhancement of automated workflow/processes and systems that support the operation of sponsored programs administration

Benefits

Health

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

A Retirement Plan

Paid time Off

Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Company

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is dedicated to building upon its tradition of excellence in education, research, public engagement and economic development.

Founded in 1915

Champaign, IL, US

10001+ employees