Associate Director of Sponsored Projects, UMKC Office of Research, 91094

University of Missouri System; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 92,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Associate Director of Sponsored Projects to lead their Office of Research. This pivotal role involves strategic oversight of externally funded research, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering collaboration across departments. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in research administration, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to enhancing research capabilities. Join a dynamic team dedicated to advancing research initiatives and making a meaningful impact in the academic community. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects and support faculty and researchers in achieving their goals.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Short- and Long-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Educational Fee Discounts

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research administration with leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state regulations governing research funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Office of Sponsored Projects team and manage research administration.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and oversee proposal and award management.

Skills

Research Administration

Leadership

Compliance Management

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Electronic Research Administration Systems

Financial Management Tools

Job description

Associate Director of Sponsored Projects, UMKC Office of Research, 91094

Job Description

The Associate Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and expertise in managing the full lifecycle of externally funded research and sponsored projects at UMKC. This position ensures the effective administration of pre-award and post-award functions, supervises cradle-to-grave program managers, and maintains compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Serving as a key liaison between faculty, researchers, administrators, and external sponsors, the Director advances the university’s research mission by optimizing processes, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring adherence to best practices in sponsored research administration.

Roles

• Member of the ORS leadership team
• Management – Lead the OSP team
• Research Administration – Oversee the administration and compliance of all externally funded research projects

Responsibilities

• Member of the ORS leadership team
• Strategic Planning – contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans to enhance research support services
• Policy Development – assist in formulating and revising policies and procedures related to research administration
• Cross-Department Collaboration – foster collaborative relationship with other university departments and external entities to support research initiatives
• Decision Making – participate in high-level decision making processes regarding research funding, compliance, and resource allocation
• Performance Monitoring – evaluate the effectiveness of research services and recommend improvements
• Management – Lead OSP team
• Team Management – Supervise and support the OSP team, promoting professional development and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Performance Management – conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and support professional development opportunities
• Workload Management – oversee the distribution of workloads and ensure staff have the resources and support needed to fulfill their responsibilities
• Recruitment and Retention – participate in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of qualified staff
• Training and Development – identify training needs and facilitate professional development activities for staff
• Conflict Resolution – address and mediate any workplace conflicts or issues that arise within the Pre-Post team
• Research Administration
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight – Ensure all sponsored activities align with institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and regulatory requirements
• Policy Development – assist in formulating and revising policies and procedures related to research administration
• Process Improvement – Identify and implement process enhancements to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research administration
• Proposal and Award Management – Provide expert guidance on the development of proposals and the management of awards
• Audit Preparation – assist with coordinating and prepare for audits and reviews by external and internal agencies

Duties

• Proposal Development – Oversee the OSP team in the preparation, review, and submission of grant and contract proposals
• Award Negotiation and Acceptance – Oversee administration of the negotiation and acceptance of awards, ensuring terms are favorable and compliant
• Financial Stewardship – Monitor financial management of awards, ensuring proper allocation and use of funds
• Reporting – Ensure timely and accurate reporting to sponsors and stakeholders
• Training and Support – Provide training and support to faculty and staff on research administration processes and best practices
• Problem Resolution – address issues related to project management
• Audit Preparation – prepare for and coordinate audits by funding agencies
• Leadership and Mentorship – provide leadership and mentorship to staff
• Performance Management – conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely feedback
• Workload Management – allocate tasks and manage workloads effectively
• Recruitment and Retention – participate in hiring processes and work to retain qualified staff
• Training and Development – facilitate training and professional development opportunities
• Conflict Resolution – mediate and resolve workplace conflicts
• Other duties as assigned
• Excellence in Service – Deliver high-quality support and services to faculty and researchers, facilitating successful applications and project management
• Strategic Alignment – Contribute to UMKC’s strategic goals by enhancing research capabilities and outcomes
• Innovation and Efficiency – Continuously seek and implement innovative solutions to streamline administrative processes
• Ethical Standards – Uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all research administration activities
• Professional Development – Stay informed on the latest trends and changes in research administration and apply this knowledge to improve OSP operations
• Diligent Oversight – maintain meticulous oversight of all pre and post-award activities
• Compliance Assurance – ensure all activities comply with applicable regulations
• Accurate Reporting – provide accurate and timely financial and progress reports
• Responsive Problem Solving – address and resolve issues promptly
• Preparedness – be well-prepared for audits and reviews by maintaining thorough documentation
• Supportive Leadership – foster a supportive and motivating work environment
• Regular Feedback – provide constructive feedback and recognition regularly
• Effective Workload Distribution – ensure tasks and distributed fairly and workloads are manageable
• Proactive Recruitment – identify and attract talented individuals to join the team
• Professional Growth – encourage continuous learning and development among staff
• Fair Mediation – address conflicts impartially and find amicable resolutions

Reports To

Director of Research Administration, UMKC’s Office of Research Services.

Work Environment

In-person office setting with routine interaction with faculty, researchers, administrative leaders, and external sponsors.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's or Master's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, including leadership and supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations governing research funding (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, USDA regulations).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop teams, oversee complex projects, and work collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems and financial management tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in a higher education or research-intensive institutional setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing policies and procedures in sponsored research administration.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated starting salary between $92,500 and $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.

Application Deadline

Open until filled, review of applications to begin immediately.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.