Director of Research Grants Administration - Dean's Office

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University seeks a Director of Research Grants Administration in the Dean's Office to lead financial operations for the Joint College. The role focuses on policy development, compliance, and strategic planning across FAMU and FSU, aligning grant activity with university objectives.

The successful candidate will manage post-award activities, oversee audits, and provide strategic financial counsel to administrators and principal investigators to support a growing research portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in budget, financial, and/or accounting services.
• eSPEAR Certification required or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Develop long-term C&G financial forecasts.
• Liaise between the Joint College and university offices (Sponsored Research, Budget, Procurement, Controller, Foundation, Travel) within FAMU and FSU.
• Act as C&G financial point of contact in absence of the Assistant Dean for Administration.
• Coordinate annual C&G audits and national accreditation reporting for the College.
• Provide C&G financial advice and administrative counsel to Joint College admins and PIs.
• Oversee post-award management including monitoring, salary commitments, cost share tracking and compliance.
• Develop and maintain C&G reports and budget projections; resolve funding issues.
• Lead regular meetings with PIs to review award spend status and obligations.

Skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

Grants administration

Policy guidance

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in finance or related field

eSPEAR Certification

High school diploma with 10 years of experience

Job description

Job Title:

Director of Research Grants Administration - Dean's Office

Location:

Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary:

Regular

Full/Part Time:

Full-Time

Job ID:

63772

Department

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as the Director of Research Grant Administration.

Responsibilities

About This Role

The Director of Research & Grants Administration plays a vital role in the administrative direction of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. The Director will participate in strategic planning within the Joint College, related to financial operations and aligning the challenges of the joint college structure with university-wide impact.

Why This Role Matters

The management, staffing, and coordination of Contract and Grant (C&G) financial activities within the Joint College is critical to the College's growing research portfolio. By building partnerships across FAMU and FSU, and with public and private organizations, this position will advance the Joint College's research mission through supporting faculty and enhancing research compliance.

What You Will Do

This position is responsible for interpreting, providing guidance, and creating Joint College research procedures to align with both FAMU and FSU C&G policies. The selected candidate will participate in C&G policy development by implementing policies and procedures essential for sound and effective fiscal management of the Joint College. The position will also:

• Develop long-term C&G financial forecasts.
• Serve as the liaison between the Joint College and university areas such as Sponsored Research, Budget, Procurement, Controller, Foundation, and Travel offices within both institutions (FAMU and FSU).
• Serve as the C&G financial point of contact in the absence of the Assistant Dean for Administration.
• Serve as the primary contact on behalf of the College for annual C&G audits and national accreditation reporting.
• Provide C&G financial advice and financial administrative counsel to Joint College administrators and Principal Investigators (PI).
• Oversee post-award management for the Joint College including C&G financial monitoring, salary commitments, cost share tracking, compliance review, and project close-outs.
• Develop and maintain C&G financial and technical reports and budget projections, and resolve funding and compliance issues.
• Ensure grants compliance team schedules and conducts regular meetings with assigned PIs to review award spend status and obligations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience related to budget, financial, and/or accounting services or a high school diploma or equivalent and ten years of experience. (Note: or a combination of post-high school education and experience equal to ten years)

This position requires successful completion of the eSPEAR Certification or ability to obtain the certification within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of The Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards ("Uniform Guidance").
• Knowledge of contract administration in a grants setting.
• Knowledge of public and private grants awards.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.

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Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.