Assistant Director

University of Maryland, College Park; North Carolina; On-site; USD 121,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park's CMNS-Physics department seeks an Assistant Director of Sponsored Research Administration to lead financial and administrative oversight of a broad portfolio of sponsored awards through proposal, award, and closeout lifecycles.

You will partner with PIs, manage compliance, forecast financials, and supervise staff, enabling competitive proposals and efficient project administration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years professional experience in sponsored programs or research administration.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced financial and administrative support for the department's sponsored research enterprise.
• Independently manage a complex portfolio of sponsored awards through proposal, award, and closeout.
• Partner with Principal Investigators to develop competitive proposals and administer sponsored projects.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements and provide financial analysis and forecasting.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
The Assistant Director of Sponsored Research Administration provides advanced financial and administrative support for the Department of Physics' sponsored research enterprise by independently managing a complex portfolio of sponsored research awards throughout the proposal, award, and closeout lifecycle. The Assistant Director partners directly with Principal Investigators to develop competitive proposals, administer sponsored projects, ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements, and provide financial analysis and forecasting. Reporting to the Associate Director, this position serves as a senior technical resource for faculty and departmental staff while supervising assigned personnel and supporting continuous improvement of sponsored research administration processes.
Physical Demands: Sedentary Work
Licenses/Certifications: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Seven (7) years professional experience in sponsored programs or research administration. Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Knowledge of federal laws, regulations, and statutes.
Knowledge of sponsored programs administration.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workplace products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service.

Additional Job Details

Preferences: UMCP, BA4, and Workday experience

Required Application Materials: Resume, Cover Letter, List of References

Best Consideration Date: October 17, 2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

Yes

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

CMNS-Physics

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$121,000 - $131,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

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