Assistant Director

HigherEdJobs; Baltimore, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Paid time off

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development

Wellness opportunities

Job summary

UMBC seeks an Assistant Director to oversee COEIT’s sponsored research teams, ensuring compliant reporting and strong internal controls across post-award and pre-award matters. The role mentors staff and drives audits, process improvements, and risk mitigation while coordinating with key research offices.

The position offers a hybrid telework option and a competitive benefits package, starting salary around $103,000 with growth to $116,000, plus generous leave and tuition remission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field.
• 7 years of progressive experience in financial reporting, forecasting, and related accounting/finance responsibilities, with at least 7 years in research administration.
• At least three years direct supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees COEIT's Sponsored Research Teams and provides leadership for Pre-Award and Post-Award teams.
• Ensures sponsored projects comply with University, government, and sponsor policies and regulations while identifying opportunities to minimize financial and operational risk.
• Oversees proposal submissions, award setup and administration, project audits, financial reporting, and compliance monitoring, liaising with research administration offices.
• Guides faculty and staff on sponsored research matters including project spending, effort reporting, cost transfers, and award requirements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Financial reporting

Audits / compliance

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field

Tools

Kuali

Job description

Position Title

Assistant Director

Description

Oversees sponsored research administration and compliance for COEIT, ensuring accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and adherence to University policies. Conducts audits, identifies process improvements and risk mitigation opportunities, and serves as a key resource for post-award and pre-award matters while mentoring sponsored research staff.

Department

College of Engineering and Information Technology, Shared Services Center

https://services-center.coeit.umbc.edu/

Position Overview

This position oversees sponsored research administration and compliance for COEIT, ensuring accurate reporting, strong internal controls, and adherence to University policies. Conducts audits, identifies process improvements and risk mitigation opportunities, and serves as a key resource for post-award and pre-award matters while mentoring sponsored research staff.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $103,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

Telework

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities

Oversees COEIT's Sponsored Research Teams and provides leadership for the Pre-Award and Post-Award teams. Ensures sponsored projects comply with University, government, and sponsor policies and regulations while identifying opportunities to minimize financial and operational risk. Oversees proposal submissions, award setup and administration, project audits, financial reporting, and compliance monitoring, while serving as a liaison with key research administration offices.

Provides guidance and support to faculty, Principal Investigators, and staff on sponsored research matters, including project spending, effort reporting, cost transfers, and award requirements. Manages team activities, timelines, and work quality while providing training, mentorship, and professional development to staff. Develops reports and training for faculty and staff, recommends process improvements, and represents COEIT on internal and external committees and initiatives.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferably in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field.
• 7 years of progressive experience in financial reporting, forecasting, and other related accounting/finance/analytical responsibilities, with at least 7 years of direct experience in research administration, preferably at an institution of higher education.
• At least three years direct supervisory experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or related degree strongly preferred.
• Experience in both Central and Departmental administration of Sponsored Research activities is a plus.
• Project management skills strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Kuali or other electronic research administration systems, creating moderately complex reports and queries, and departmental level extramural support preferred.
• Additionally, the working history should reflect superior communication, organization, and customer service skills.

Background Screening Statement

A background check will be required.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Benefits

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions: Full benefits summary click here

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave
• 15 Days of Sick Leave
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position.

Salary

Salary: $103,000 - $116,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours

Full-time

Type

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Equal Opportunity Statement

UMBC is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Title IX

As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.

Accommodation

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization

As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.