Director of Pre-Award & Research Proposal Services

University of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 106,100 - 137,900; Full time

Job summary

University of Houston is seeking a Director of Office of Contracts & Grants to provide strategic vision and operational oversight for research proposal preparation, pre-review activities, and contracting negotiations. This role advances service excellence, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective research operations.

It acts as a senior advisor to align sponsor requirements with institutional priorities.

Qualifications

• Requires application of advanced principles, techniques and theory in a professional discipline or a thorough general business management knowledge.
• Master's degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field related to the work.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of directly job-related experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pre-award operations and develop policies to ensure timely proposal submission, pre-review activities, contract negotiations, and regulatory adherence.
• Develop short- and long-term goals and management strategies to enhance pre-award activities and communicate them across the University.
• Provide leadership to the research administration team and monitor performance for accuracy, timeliness, and customer service.
• Interpret and apply policies/regulations, communicate changes, and assess impact on sponsored activities, ensuring compliance.
• Advise faculty, departments, and staff on proposal strategy, sponsor guidelines, and institutional requirements for compliant submissions.
• Oversee research contract review and negotiation, serving as Authorized Organizational Representative to review, negotiate, and sign agreements for the University.
• Collaborate with offices on grant congruency, financial conflict of interest, responsible conduct of research, export controls, and other compliance areas.
• Serve as liaison between research leadership, colleges, departments, faculty, and central offices to align pre-award operations.
• Develop and deliver research administration certification and training programs for university personnel.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Pre-award operations

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

University of Houston is seeking a Director of Office of Contracts & Grants to provide strategic vision and operational oversight for research proposal preparation, pre-review activities, and contracting negotiations. This role advances service excellence, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and cost-effective research operations.

It acts as a senior advisor to align sponsor requirements with institutional priorities.