Clemson University · 5 hours ago
Director, Sponsored Programs
Clemson, SC
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
5+ years expClemson University is a leading public research institution dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. The Director of Sponsored Programs will lead and manage pre-award research administration, providing strategic and operational leadership to support external funding while ensuring compliance with regulations. This role involves overseeing pre-award activities, collaborating with faculty and staff, and enhancing research capacity and competitiveness.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Provide leadership and oversight of the Office of Sponsored Programs in support of Clemson University's research strategy and strategic plan
Oversee day-to-day pre-award operations, including proposal submission and award acceptance processes, staffing, performance management, and training
Partner with the eRA office to advance technology improvements and process documentation and continuously assess organizational structure and workload to respond to evolving research activity and sponsor requirements
Work collaboratively with the Senior Vice President for Research to develop, implement, and review policies and procedures governing pre-award research administration
Establish and maintain consistent processes for the review and negotiation of sponsored research grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and related instruments
Monitor changes in federal regulations and external requirements and recommend policy revisions as appropriate
Prepare reports, analyses, and position papers as directed
Provide institutional oversight for the review and negotiation of sponsored research agreements, including grants, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, material transfer agreements, and other research-related instruments
Lead the resolution of non-standard or complex agreement terms in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel
Serve as Clemson University's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
Communicate university policies and best practices related to pre-award research administration to faculty, staff, and administrators
Collaborate regularly with associate deans for research, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Ethics and Compliance, and other campus partners
Serve as a primary institutional point of contact and AOR for external sponsors and organizations, including COGR and FDP
Serve as a key member of the Senior Vice President for Research's leadership team and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen the Division of Research and support research excellence at the highest level
Participate in planning activities that enhance research capacity, compliance, and institutional competitiveness
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in a relevant field
A minimum of five years of professional experience, including three to five years of experience in research administration
Demonstrated knowledge of pre-award research administration, sponsored programs regulations, and compliance requirements
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and research support units
Proven experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff
Preferred
Doctoral or professional degree
Demonstrated leadership experience with measurable impact in university research administration
Professional certifications such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
Experience serving as or supporting an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
Experience in a complex R1 or public research university environment
Company
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant and sea-grant research university.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Clemson University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (103)
2024 (103)
2023 (74)
2022 (60)
2021 (62)
2020 (50)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$11.14MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Energy Office of ElectricityDensoUS Department of Energy
2024-12-03Grant· $2.47M
2024-10-30Grant
2024-08-20Grant
Leadership Team
M. Karen McCauley
CEO and President Clemson University Foundation
Wil Brasington
Chief Executive Officer, Clemson Alumni Association
Recent News
2025-12-15
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