Assistant Director, Office of Sponsored Programs – Administrative Services

SRA International; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional university in Harrisonburg, Virginia is seeking an Assistant Director for the Office of Sponsored Programs-Administrative Services. This role involves overseeing a team of grants specialists and coordinating external funding initiatives. Ideal candidates should hold an advanced degree or equivalent research administration experience and possess strong organizational and communication skills. Successful applicants will help design training programs and manage contracts while ensuring compliance with university policies and guidelines. A commitment to diversity and inclusion is essential.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in research administration or extensive experience in research administration.
• Familiarity with the pre-award process and budget development.
• Prior experience with electronic research systems.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in multi-tasking and prioritizing assignments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and lead a team of grants specialists.
• Provide front-line analysis of contractual provisions in contracts.
• Design and maintain budgeting training frameworks.
• Coordinate with other offices to facilitate proposals.
• Excel as a senior grants specialist in budget development.
• Draft policies and procedures for smooth operations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Independence

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Prioritizing assignments

Education

Advanced degree in research administration

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Electronic research systems

Multiple software systems

Job description

Assistant Director, Office of Sponsored Programs – Administrative Services

Overview

The Assistant Director within the Office of Sponsored Programs-Administrative Services plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of external funding at James Madison University, including oversight of the grants specialist team and coordinating with other stakeholders. Additionally, the assistant director reviews research and related contracts, preparing guidance for the office’s Authorized Organizational Representatives to support negotiation and signing. Finally, the assistant director also oversees the development of training material for the campus community.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversight of the grants specialists team: This position exercises authority in leading and directing a team of grants specialists, including setting priorities and ensuring consistent application of organizational standards across all sponsored project proposals, with a special emphasis on budgets. Duties include supervising the team so that funding proposals are developed, reviewed, and submitted efficiently and effectively in accordance with university policies and procedures and sponsor guidelines and arranging appropriate professional development for the team. In collaboration with OSP‑AS leadership, the position will develop new workflows and processes to further streamline operations.
• Contract review: The position provides front‑line analysis of contractual provisions in research and related contracts to confirm compliance with organizational policies and standards, recommending revisions and coordinating with leadership (particularly the associate director) on nonstandard terms. The assistant director identifies such terms, prepares contract summaries, and suggests alternative language as appropriate, typically in coordination with University Counsel and other stakeholders (e.g., the intellectual property officer or information security officer). As appropriate, the assistant director assists with negotiations.
• Resource and training development: The position provides oversight and decision‑making authority for designing and maintaining JMU’s budgeting training framework, especially setting programmatic priorities. These include internal resources for the OSP‑AS team (e.g., trainings relevant to grants specialists) as well as trainings for the PI community (e.g., what a PI needs to know about specific funder budgeting policies). In the frequently‑evolving funding landscape, this includes developing in‑house trainings on specific sponsors, electronic systems, and/or new regulations.
• Coordination with other stakeholders: The assistant director coordinates with other offices across campus to facilitate timely submission of competitive sponsored program proposals.
• Sponsored Programs administrative services as appropriate: The assistant director should excel as a senior grants specialist and be able to personally oversee budget development, proposal review, and provide related services, especially for particularly difficult programs (e.g., international funders, significant cost share, etc.).
• Contribute to the Strategic Planning and Smooth Operation of OSP‑AS: A key responsibility of the assistant director is in the drafting of appropriate policies and procedures for the review of the associate director and other OSP‑AS leadership. The policies and procedures should streamline the operation of OSP‑AS, ensure adherence to research administration best practices, and ensure JMU’s continued eligibility for federal and state funding.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree in research administration or extensive experience in research administration with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Familiarity with the pre‑award process, including budget development
• Prior experience with electronic research systems
• Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in multi‑tasking and prioritizing assignments in a deadline‑driven environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• University and Sponsored Programs experience
• Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200)
• Ability to use multiple software systems
• Demonstrated supervisory skills

To learn more and to apply, go to jobs.jmu.edu/home and reference posting number 20001758. Review of applications begins 3/7/2026. Pay is commensurate with experience.

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality. Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].