Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs-Pre-Award

University of Mississippi; United States; On-site; USD 83,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Mississippi is seeking an Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs: Pre-Award to lead and oversee pre-award research administration. The role ensures timely, compliant development, review, and submission of externally sponsored grant and contract proposals, supervising staff and serving as a subject matter expert on sponsor regulations and university policies.

You will develop training, procedures, and best practices to promote consistency, compliance, and exceptional customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 5 years of relevant experience with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and perform compliance reviews of grant and contract proposals to ensure adherence to sponsor requirements and university policies.
• Supervise Pre-Award Research Administrators and other assigned staff, providing leadership and performance oversight.
• Coordinate proposal review workflows, allocate workload, and ensure timely submissions with high-quality support.
• Provide training and professional development to promote consistency and best practices in research administration.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, and support strategic planning to advance institutional research growth.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.

Join the Ole Miss Family — Build Your Legacy Here! Department: Office for Research & Economic Development

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Sponsored Programs: Pre-Award provides leadership and operational oversight for pre-award research administration, ensuring the effective, timely, and compliant development, review, and submission of externally sponsored grant and contract proposals. This position supervises pre-award research administration staff, serves as a subject matter expert on sponsor regulations and university policies, and works collaboratively with faculty, departmental administrators, research centers, and university leadership to support the institution's research mission. The Assistant Director develops and implements training, procedures, and best practices that promote consistency, compliance, and exceptional customer service while assisting with strategic initiatives that advance institutional research growth and competitiveness.

Job Description: Essential Job Responsibilities

• Oversee and conduct comprehensive compliance reviews of grant and contract proposals to ensure adherence to sponsor requirements, university policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Supervise and provide leadership, guidance, and performance oversight for Pre-Award Research Administrators and other assigned staff.
• Coordinate and monitor proposal review workflows, workload distribution, and resource allocation to ensure timely proposal submissions and high-quality support services.
• Provide training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities for pre-award staff to promote consistency, competency, and continuous improvement in research administration practices.
• Review and approve proposal budgets to ensure accuracy, consistency, allowability, and alignment with sponsor and institutional requirements.
• Ensure all required institutional approvals, certifications, and compliance reviews are obtained prior to proposal submission.
• Serve as a primary resource for interpreting and communicating sponsor guidelines, funding opportunity requirements, and institutional research administration policies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures, training materials, job aids, and best-practice guidance related to proposal development and submission.
• Manage sponsor electronic research administration systems and submission portals, including user access, account administration, troubleshooting, and institutional registrations.
• Provide consultation and support to principal investigators, departmental administrators, research centers, and other stakeholders throughout the proposal development process.
• Promote and foster a culture of excellent customer service, responsiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement within Sponsored Programs Administration.
• Identify, assess, and elevate complex, high-risk, or emerging compliance issues to the Director of Sponsored Programs Administration and other institutional leaders, as appropriate.
• Assist with strategic planning initiatives designed to improve research administration services, proposal support, and institutional research growth.
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of research administration policies, systems, processes, and operational improvements.
• Analyze trends in proposal activity and sponsor requirements and recommend process enhancements to improve efficiency, compliance, and service delivery.
• Participate in special projects, institutional committees, and cross-functional initiatives related to sponsored programs administration and research development.
• Collaborate with university leadership and administrative units to advance effective research administration practices and support the institution's strategic research objectives.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor policies, industry best practices, and emerging trends in research administration through professional development and training activities.

Job Responsibilities:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Education Qualifications: Bachelor's (Required)
• Experience: Relevant experience | 5 Years, 3 years supervisory | Required
• Compensation: $83,096.00 - $124,654.40
• Interview Requirement: Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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