Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

Reporting directly to the Vice President for Research and Economic Engagement, the Director provides university-wide leadership in research administration. Oversees the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research in both pre-award and (non-accounting) post-award activities that support successful completion of faculty externally sponsored programs. The Director is responsible for supervising all office staff and related office operations, including (but not limited to) managing external and internal awards for compliance with various federal, state, and sponsor regulations and university policies. The Director is responsible for developing new policies and procedures as needed in expanding the research environment and developing strategic plans for investing in university research activity. The Director oversees all efforts to meet the grant development needs of faculty and staff who engage in sponsored program activities to allow them to compete more effectively for research funding at the state and national levels.

• Directs the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research in both pre-award and post-award (non-accounting) activities. Responsible for the structure of the office and the delivery of services. Sets annual goals for the office and supervises OSPR staff with primary responsibility for managing external and internal awards for compliance with sponsor and university policies and for meeting the grant development needs of faculty and staff who engage in sponsored program activities. Authority to restructure to meet emerging needs and mandates, both internal and external.
• Serves as the division's primary subject matter liaison with the ITS department on all matters related to the university's ERP. Is the point of contact for the continued development and maintenance of the grants management module within the university's PeopleSoft Enterprise Resource Project. Is responsible for testing and analysis of this module and related functions throughout the year and specifically during upgrades. Serves on various committees established to maintain clear communications among all units using the ERP.
• Oversees the presentation of workshops, seminars, classes, and informational materials on grant writing, budget preparation, electronic submissions, the PeopleSoft Grants Module, and other topics to research faculty, staff, and students. Provides education related to pre-award and post-award administration, including proposal submission, award acceptance, and project management. Provides oversight and final review/approval of educational materials. Serves on university committees that have an impact on the institution's capacity to do research, i.e. Patent Advisory Committee, EDHD Research Development Committee, Economic Development Work Group, Postdoc Hiring Process Work Group, etc.
• Oversight of the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) and the internal grants program. Directs the administration of internal grant programs to include development and revision of guidelines, coordination of grant reviews, setting up the awards in FMS, providing review, oversight, and approval of expenditures within FMS. Manages the FRC budget and funding processes. Creates new funding opportunities as needed to focus investments and enhance university initiatives in research. Advises the committee on appropriate use of funds and sets the guidelines for allowable cost. Serves as an Ex officio member. Reviews expenditures on FRC grants and approves as appropriate.
• Independently and in collaboration with the VP for Research and Economic Development, consults with college deans and departmental chairs to assist them in implementing identified research goals. Responds quickly to issue-oriented crises providing leadership toward resolution. Coordinates with other offices reporting the VP for Research and Economic Engagement (Office of Technology Transfer and Services, Office of Research Compliance, Center for Regional Development, etc.)
• Serves as the authorized organizational representative in various federal grants portals, signing on behalf of the institution: , NSF Fastlane, Department of Justice, and the NIH eRA Commons. Provides administrative approval on State grant expenditure reports. When designated by the VP for Research and Economic Engagement has authority to approve outgoing proposals and incoming contracts/other official documents, as appropriate, obligating the institution. Primary contact official for federal agencies pertaining to compliance issues including potential for conflict of interest, financial auditing, site visits, and contract implementation.
• Oversees post-award business procedures in coordination with the Manager of Grants Accounting to ensure compliance with sponsor and university policies and regulations. Oversees the preparation of grant subcontracts and modifications, requests to the funding agency to alter grant agreements and re-budgeting of funds, and internship agreements to ensure appropriateness and consistency with university policy. Meets regularly with the Manager of Grants Accounting to develop, articulate and facilitate the roles and responsibilities of the two offices with the goal of providing a more transparent and seamless grants administration environment for faculty, staff and the institution.
• Advises the VP for Research & Economic Engagement on all actions and activities of the office and makes recommendations on the creation or revision of university policies to meet federal mandates for institutions conducting research. Monitors federal policy as it impacts the research enterprise and provides advice and information to university administration. Develops strategies for enhancing the research environment. Develops and implements university policies and procedures that assure the timely submission and awarding of grants and contracts.
• Directs the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports offering analysis of the research enterprise over time and special reports as requested.
• Other duties as assigned

The following Degree is required:

• Bachelor's degree required. Degree must be conferred at the time of application.

The following Experience is required:

• 3 years research administration background in university or funding agency setting
• 3 years proposal and budget development with various funding agencies
• 2 years Budget management experience
• 2 years supervisory experience

The following Licensure, Certifications, or Registration is preferred:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of the retrieval/dissemination of information related to funding opportunities.
• Specific knowledge of the principles of research administration and the intricacies of the university research environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills specifically as they relate to understanding the research and sponsored program needs of faculty members;
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills;
• Knowledge of federal and state compliance regulations; substantial experience with budgeting and accounting procedures; ability to train other support staff; and ability to set priorities and work comfortably in fast-paced, deadline driven environment.

Deadline to apply: The search committee will review applications until the position is filled; however, for best consideration, applications should be provided by 'December 13, 2023'.

Bowling Green State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer . We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Bowling Green State University, please call or email .

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