Director, Grants Administration & Research Funding

University of St. Thomas; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of St. Thomas in Houston seeks a Director of Grants Administration to lead the university's sponsored research portfolio, balancing rigorous compliance with proactive faculty enablement.

The role reports to the Provost and collaborates with the CFO to align on budgets, drawdowns, and audits. You will oversee the full grant lifecycle, support pre‑award budgeting, ensure post‑award financial accuracy, and partner with academic departments to secure external funding while maintaining

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in grants administration or related compliance in higher education.
• Comprehensive knowledge of 2 CFR 200 and grant regulations.
• Proven pre‑award budgeting and post‑award financial reconciliation experience.
• Commitment to service, collaboration with faculty, and cross‑functional partnership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to bridge compliance and academic work.
• Experience in fast‑paced environments with strict grant deadlines, ability to manage multiple tasks.
• CGMS or CRA designation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Actively monitor grant opportunities and align them with faculty research and STEM initiatives.
• Provide hands‑on pre‑award assistance by translating RFP guidelines for faculty and PIs.
• Build compliant budgets and manage internal routing for external funding requests.
• Design training sessions, toolkits, and workshops on the grant lifecycle.
• Streamline workflows to reduce administrative burdens for professors.
• Ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, cost principles, and donor restrictions.
• Monitor restricted fund expenditures and review budget‑to‑actual reports with finance.
• Execute timely federal drawdowns and oversee post‑award effort certification.
• Serve as primary contact for internal and external grant audits.
• Develop and implement SOPs for research compliance and conflict of interest disclosures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or advanced certification

Tools

ERP systems

Grant routing software

Job description

The University of St. Thomas in Houston seeks a Director of Grants Administration to lead the university's sponsored research portfolio, balancing rigorous compliance with proactive faculty enablement.

The role reports to the Provost and collaborates with the CFO to align on budgets, drawdowns, and audits. You will oversee the full grant lifecycle, support pre‑award budgeting, ensure post‑award financial accuracy, and partner with academic departments to secure external funding while maintaining