Asst VP, Sponsored Programs

Drexel University; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 129,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Drexel University seeks an Assistant Vice President, Sponsored Programs, to manage and oversee research administration activities. This role includes compliance oversight, developing policies for grant management, and fostering a supportive research environment. The ideal candidate will have leadership skills, experience in grant administration, and the ability to navigate federal regulations to support the university's research mission.

Benefits

Generous vacation and paid time off

403(b) Retirement Plan match

Remote and flexible work options

Free tuition for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of grant and contract administration.
• Experience with federal regulations and compliance standards.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising between funding agencies and the University.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management of central sponsored programs activities.
• Implement and modify protocols in grants and contracts administration.
• Provide training and support to faculty and staff involved in research.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Compliance Knowledge

Interpersonal Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Certification in Research Administration

MS in Research Administration

Job description

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world‐class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.

Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long‐term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.

At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti‐racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.

Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and world‐class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award‐winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professionalstaff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non‐certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.

Suspension of Drexel University's Contribution into 403(b) Retirement Plan

As communicated on Oct. 10, Drexel University is suspending its contributions to employee retirement plans for calendar year 2025 as part of its multi-year plan to build financial resilience. Drexel is continuing to monitor the situation and will share updates as they become available for calendar year 2026.

Asst VP, Sponsored Programs

Apply now Job no: 505165
Work type: Full-Time
Location: Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement, University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Office of Research & Innovation

Job Summary

The AVP is responsible for the oversight and management of central sponsored programs activities within the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). The AVP manages activities related to grants and contracts funding research, establishes and oversees processes to ensure compliance with funder, federal, and accepted industry standards, provides support to administration, faculty, and staff in the Drexel research community, and provides resources and training to support a culture of effective sponsored research program management.

Essential Functions

• Effectively leads, directs, trains, and mentorship of the grants and contracts personnel within the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) in support of the Executive Vice Provost for Research & Innovation and the goals of the University.
• Efforts range from implementing or modifying existing OSP protocols and procedures to increasing efficiency, overseeing the development and management processes for grants and contracts, and providing oversight in grant and sponsored program activities.
• Possesses a comprehensive understanding and extensive experience with federal and other sponsor regulations governing grant and contract administration, including Office of Management & Budget Circulars and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies related to sponsored research activities.
• Participates with Office of Research & Innovation leadership in the development of policies to promote grants and contracts which support the University’s objectives.
• Creates and fosters an environment of support for the University research community by developing and implementing programs to increase external funding and contract support for faculty.
• Works collaboratively with the Assistant Vice Provost of Research Business Operations & Technology as well as the Director of Research Systems & Analytics to oversee the maintenance and accuracy of sponsored programs databases and implement a new sponsored research modules in a new ERA system.
• Works collaboratively with Associate Vice Provost of Research Compliance to ensure export control, conflicts of interest & commitment, and other aspects of research.
• Works collaboratively with the Assistant Vice Provost for Applied Innovation to support technology commercialization activities.
• Administers and interprets applicable federal and state laws and regulations including agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research including NASA, DOD NSF, US DOE, NIH, HHS, NEA and NEH and knowledge of Single Audit and the Uniform Guidance.
• Acts as a liaison between funding agencies and the University, serving as Authorized Organizational Representative.
• Assists in the development of financial preparation of sponsored research activities and scholarly activities.
• Works closely and collaboratively with Research Accounting Services for financial post-award administration.
• Establishes and maintains productive, and cooperative communications and professional working relationships with university administrators, faculty, staff, federal, state and private agencies.
• Frequent communication with Principal Investigators (PIs) and administrative personnel regarding contracts and grants.
• Administers and interprets applicable federal and state laws and regulations including agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research including NASA, DOD NSF, US DOE, NIH, HHS, NEA and NEH and knowledge of Single Audit and the Uniform Guidance.
• Acts as a liaison between funding agencies and the University, serving as Authorized Organizational Representative.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, to work independently, to maintain confidentiality, and to take initiative to improve upon current operations.
• Advanced level knowledge of the full life cycle of a Sponsored Programs Office including Pre-award, Post award, compliance, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate effectively and to present information in a concise and organized fashion in both oral and written form.
• Proficient skills in the information technology area to be able to oversee the acquisition and use of web-based and other computer-assisted systems and procedures including grants management system/ERA software.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with significant deadline pressure and deal with concerned faculty and their staffs as deadlines approach.
• Strong leadership, organizational, project management and planning skills with the ability to meet deadlines and facilitate solutions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with colleagues, senior administration, faculty, and representatives of various organizations and agencies.
• Ability to research and assist with the resolution of highly complex issues with legal, fiscal and ethical/compliance implications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Research Administration, MS in Research Administration

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table

Location

• Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade P. Compensation for this grade ranges from$129,850.00 - $194,770.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for thisposition typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on thesuccessful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.

Advertised: May 22 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 22 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

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Asst VP, Sponsored Programs Professional Staff Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement, University City - Philadelphia, PA Jul 22 2025

The College of EVP of Research is seeking a Assistant Vice President, Sponsored Programs.

Asst VP, Sponsored Programs Professional Staff Hybrid/Flexible Work Arrangement, University City - Philadelphia, PA Jul 22 2025

The College of EVP of Research is seeking a Assistant Vice President, Sponsored Programs.

Expression of interest

No expression of interest currently available

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that welcomes individuals from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our Policies page to view all University policies related to Human Resources and News and Announcements for workplace postings.

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