Director of Research Budget and Operations

1 week ago


Knoxville, Tennessee, United States InsideHigherEd Full time

Job Summary

The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service (SWORPS) at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of Research Budget and Operations to lead the financial strategy and operations for the office. This is a full-time position that will report to the College of Social Work Assistant Dean of Finance, Administration and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supervise and develop the SWORPS Business Office staff, including hiring, assigning tasks, setting goals, and conducting annual performance reviews.
  • Supervise procurement, contract management, and vendor relations to meet organizational standards.
  • Provide subject matter expertise on financial policies, procedures, and regulations, including Uniform Guidance and FAR Clauses.
  • Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and best practices for research proposal submission and award administration.
  • Uphold stringent adherence to all relevant financial policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Partner with SWORPS administration, researchers, and staff to conduct training on research proposal policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with post-award staff to transition awards, problem solve issues, and maintain a seamless workflow.
  • Design and lead distribution for annual reports, newsletters, and other marketing and data visualizations.
  • Participate in SWORPS leadership level meetings and participate in annual or periodic retreats and workshops related to research.
  • Lead financial aspects of external and internal audits.
  • Evaluate and implement operational efficiencies across areas and leverage solutions around system management and technology.

Strategic Research Planning and Financial Management

  • Develop comprehensive financial models and dashboards for monitoring and reporting on grant-related expenditures.
  • Work closely with senior leadership to ensure financial strategies are aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Produce precise financial statements and manage the financial reporting process.
  • Provide input on college, division, and campus level administrators involved in discussions of strategic research plans.
  • Analysis and projections of RIF income from externally funded contracts and grants.
  • Manage annual research funds provided by the college, directing financial staff on the distribution of funds to the departments.
  • Implement robust internal controls to protect financial assets and mitigate risks.
  • Lead financial planning, budgeting, and investment activities.
  • Leverage technology to improve financial data analysis, reporting, and operational efficiency.

Research Support for Large and/or Complex Proposals

  • Work with SWORPS investigator and administration, ORIED and DRA on budgets and cost share requests for large and/or complex proposals.
  • Resolve complex problems related to negotiations with funding sources and proposal submissions.
  • Provide higher levels of SWORPS support for investigators working on large center or institute-scale proposals.
  • Proactively identify funding opportunities that support the SWORPS strategic plan.

Required Qualifications

  • Applicant must hold a Bachelor's Degree, plus 7 years of experience directly related to sponsored research, with extensive experience with state and federal funding agencies.
  • Strong managerial skills, supervisory skills, and demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Expertise in financial forecasting, budgeting, and developing financial reporting systems.
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities, manage several complex projects simultaneously, and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
  • Detailed knowledge of Uniform Guidance, Federal Regulations, and FAR Clauses that regulate the administration of sponsored programs.
  • Proficiency with sponsor-specific submission platforms.
  • Ability to lead a team, foster a supportive work environment, and develop talents of personnel to maximize potential and productivity.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of financial regulations and grant compliance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Outstanding customer service skills and strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Proficiency with spreadsheets, Microsoft Office software, and ability to learn IRIS, Taleo, and Cayuse, and other related University systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A Master's degree and 10 years of experience directly related to sponsored research, preferably within a university environment or in a corporate setting with extensive experience with state and federal funding agencies.
  • Three or more years of supervisory experience and experience developing team approaches to providing service to stakeholders.

Application Process

Interested individuals should provide a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, a resume, and complete contact information for 3 professional references.



  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Alliance for Multispeciality Research, LLC Full time

    Job OverviewThe Contract and Budget Specialist is an essential contributor to our financial operations within the clinical research domain. This role is pivotal in managing and negotiating budgets throughout the entire lifecycle of clinical trials. As a vital member of the Contract and Budget Team, the Specialist will work closely with various departments,...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Performance Foodservice Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Operations Director to lead our operations team at Performance Foodservice. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in senior management, with a focus on operations leadership, fiscal planning, and resource allocation.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the senior operations leadership team,...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor--Public Budgeting and Finance, Fall 2025The University of Tennessee - Knoxville: Knoxville Academic Units: Baker SchoolLocationBaker SchoolDescriptionThe Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for a tenure-track...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Jobot Full time

    Job DescriptionA leading medical company is seeking a seasoned Director of Operations to drive growth and efficiency in their operations.This role will oversee all aspects of post-sale support in the region, including managing a team of workshop repair technicians and field service engineers. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing a team...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Animal Facility Director, the Animal Care Technician 2 plays a vital role in supporting a centralized laboratory animal resource program within an academic health science institution. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Assist the Animal Facility Director in executing assigned responsibilities independently to ensure...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Campus Apartments Full time

    Director of Facilities OperationsCampus Apartments, LLC is seeking an experienced Director of Facilities Operations to lead our facilities management team in Tennessee.We are a company that values passion, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence. Since 1958, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional housing for college students across the country.If...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    JOB SUMMARY/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Under the supervision of the Animal Facility Director, the Animal Care Technician 2 plays a vital role in supporting a centralized laboratory animal resource program within an academic health science institution. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assists the Director of the Animal Facility in executing assigned responsibilities...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States InsideHigherEd Full time

    Job SummaryThe University of Tennessee, Knoxville invites applications for the position of Associate Director in the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships. This role will play a critical part in shaping the university's approach to undergraduate research and competitive awards, with a focus on student development and success.Key...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Wylander Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Director of Reconstruction Operations to join our team at Wylander, a leading recruiting company specializing in the disaster restoration industry. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for successfully managing multiple reconstruction projects from start to finish, ensuring...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    Position OverviewThe University of Tennessee is seeking a dedicated individual to join its innovative team focused on the Development and Advancement of Radiopharmaceutical Therapies (DART). This role will involve significant collaboration with esteemed research institutions and will be based at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.The successful candidate...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    Position OverviewThe University of Tennessee is seeking a dedicated research faculty member to join the Development and Advancement of Radiopharmaceutical Therapies (DART) Convergent Research Initiative (CRI). This role will be primarily based at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with collaborative opportunities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.The...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Alliance for Multispeciality Research, LLC Full time

    Job OverviewThe Clinical Budget Coordinator is integral to our financial and contractual operations. This position is essential in managing and negotiating budgets for clinical research projects throughout their duration. The Coordinator collaborates with various departments within Alliance for Multispeciality Research, LLC, including Business Development,...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Alliance for Multispeciality Research, LLC Full time

    Job OverviewThe Clinical Budget Coordinator is integral to our financial management and contracting operations. This position is vital in overseeing and negotiating budgets for clinical research projects throughout their duration. As a member of the Contract and Budget Team, the Coordinator collaborates closely with various departments, including Business...

  • Facility Director

    20 hours ago


    Knoxville, Tennessee, United States The Omni Family of Services Full time

    Job Title: Facility DirectorAbout the Role:The Omni Family of Services is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Facility Director to join our team. As a key member of our organization, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of our facilities, ensuring the highest level of care and service delivery to our clients.Key...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Clayton Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Director of IT Operations to join our team at Clayton Homes. As a key member of our Enterprise Technology Operations division, you will be responsible for leading a team of IT professionals and driving strategic initiatives to support the growth and success of our organization.Key...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States The University of Tennessee Athletics Department Full time

    General Description: The Director has the overall responsibility of the physical and fiscal management of Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. This includes the day-to-day coordination of the facility. This position has primary oversight of all Concert / Special Events in the Arena while providing support / guidance for all Athletics Events. ...

  • Operations Director

    6 hours ago


    Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Interstate Mechanical Corp Full time

    {"title": "Operations Director", "description": "Job SummaryThe Operations Director at Interstate Mechanical Corp is responsible for overseeing the commercial service operations, which encompass Plumbing, Controls, Preventative Maintenance, HVAC, and Projects. This role involves directing the day-to-day activities of all units to ensure smooth operations and...

  • Research Fellow

    1 week ago


    Knoxville, Tennessee, United States University of Tennessee Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our team at the University of Tennessee. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects in Single-Molecule Biophysics.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct independent research projects under the guidance of senior faculty...

  • Finance Manager

    7 days ago


    Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Ross Stores, Inc. Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Finance Manager to lead our DC Operations team in budgeting and monthly reporting. As a key member of our finance team, you will be responsible for providing financial analysis and support to our leadership team.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the generation of the yearly budget and 5-year plan, including assumption...


  • Knoxville, Tennessee, United States Sevita Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Regional Director to lead our operations in the East TN Region. As a key member of our leadership team, you will be responsible for implementing the strategic direction for operations and ensuring alignment with state business goals and objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership: Implement...