Assistant Director

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in North Carolina is seeking an Assistant Director to oversee operations in the Sponsored Programs Office. The role involves supervising staff, managing grant submissions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s degree and substantial experience in research administration. Responsibilities include training team members, assisting with procedural development, and providing mentorship. This full-time position offers a competitive salary within the hiring range of $90,000–$95,000 and requires strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Mid-to-late career professional with relevant educational background.
• Experience in research administration preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret procedures and policies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Business Services Coordinator.
• Manage daily operations and attain departmental goals.
• Review, approve, and submit grant proposals.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong analytical skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Master's degree and 2-4 years of experience

Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience

Job description

Assistant Director – Inside Higher Ed

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Overview

Key details:

• Department: Med Ad‑Sponsored Programs-420108
• Location: North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range: $90,000–$95,000
• Proposed Start Date: 16 February 2026

Position Summary

The Assistant Director will supervise the Business Services Coordinator in addition to being responsible for performing Pre‑Award duties in the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) for the School of Medicine (SOM). The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director to manage the daily operations, ensuring the department’s goals are successfully attained. Responsibilities include providing training and guidance to the Grants Analysts and assisting the Director with developing standard operating procedures and strategic planning for the department. This position will function in a team environment and be responsible for the review and timely submission of SOM faculty proposals in a highly deadline‑driven environment to secure funding for research and other sponsored programs. The Assistant Director has delegated signature authority to provide final university approval on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Research. The proposal review conducted by the Assistant Director includes a review of proposal budgets, budget justifications, and administrative information to ensure compliance with all regulatory bodies including IACUC, IRB, federal regulations (Uniform Guidance), sponsor guidelines, and university and state policy governing sponsored research. Proposal approval may include electronic submission using various agency systems, specifically grants.gov/cayuse, and the era commons or by providing institutional signature. The Assistant Director is responsible for the review and submission of Just‑in‑Time (JIT) materials, non‑competing NIH progress reports (RPPRs), the NIH grant closeout final technical reports (FRPPRs) and corresponds with the sponsoring agency representatives to provide information as required. The Assistant Director is responsible for serving as the back‑up to the Director of the Sponsored Programs Office in her/his absence. The Assistant Director should be a seasoned research administrator capable of using sound judgement in making decisions that may pertain to proposal processing priority in a heavy, deadline‑driven environment and/or resolving other urgent matters in the Director’s absence or as delegated; managing proposal submission problems that may be encountered; serving as a mentor to the Grants Analysts within the office by providing guidance and instruction on policies and procedures. The Assistant Director will interact with departmental staff and faculty in the School of Medicine and departments throughout the campus as well as sponsoring agency representatives.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Mid‑to late‑career with Masters and 2‑4 years experience; Bachelors and 3‑5 years experience.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

This position requires a sharp attention to detail; ability to multitask; excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to prioritize using sound judgment; strong analytical skills; ability to read and interpret procedures and policies; experience using Microsoft Office software.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, And Experience

Prior research administration experience. Experience working in a central office of research administration with pre‑award grant responsibilities. Preference for a Certified Research Administrator.

Senior Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Online Audio and Video Media