Director of Sponsored Research Administration

C001 New Jersey Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) seeks a Director of Sponsored Research Administration to lead the central office of research. You will oversee proposals, awards, compliance, and system improvements across external funding from federal, private, corporate, and state sponsors.

The role emphasizes leadership, policy adherence, and staff development within a dynamic university environment. The position reports to the Senior Executive Director of Sponsored Research Administration and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five years progressively responsible leadership experience in sponsored research administration.
• Advanced knowledge of proposal management, award terms, subawards, post‑award financial administration, and related federal guidelines.
• Experience in training and developing professional staff.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages proposal review, approval, submission, and award management with compliance to policies and regulations.
• Oversees external funding submissions, risk mitigation, and award administration.
• Leads training initiatives for Office of Research staff and faculty; drives service excellence and process improvements.
• Represents the Office of Research in industry associations and collaborations.

Skills

Leadership

Proposal management

Compliance

Staff development

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Enterprise research systems

Job description

Title: Director of Sponsored Research Administration Reports To: Senior Executive Director of Sponsored Research Administration and Finance

Position Summary: Reporting to the senior executive director for sponsored research administration and finance, the director of sponsored research administration will provide overall oversight, leadership, compliance, and management for the sponsored research administration unit in the central Office of Research. In this capacity, the director exercises delegated authority and oversight on behalf of the University, for the review, approval, authorization and submission of compliant proposals to federal, private, corporate, industry, foundation and state governments and other entities. The incumbent is responsible for oversight of projects to accomplish strategic objectives individually and in collaboration with other leaders within the Office for Research and University.

Essential Functions

• Sponsored Research Proposals and Award Management: Directs, supervises and manages proposal review, approval and submission, and award management. Responsible for ensuring compliance with university policy, federal regulatory and audit requirements in the review, submission and authorization for all proposals submitted for external funding on behalf of NJIT. Oversees and delegates the submission of proposals for external funding. Considers and implements measures to mitigate risk in the proposing and acceptance of awards, contracts and other agreements for sponsored research and projects. Oversees the review, acceptance, and execution of all NJIT sponsored projects and research agreements relating to research funded by industries, foundations and governmental agencies. Oversees the effective and efficient administration for funded sponsored research (e.g., award extensions, transfers, funding, personnel changes, etc.). This includes developing, coordinating, and maintaining systems and procedures that support the efficient tracking and management in a timely and compliant manner to support research with NJIT and sponsor expectations.
• Training: Participate in curriculum development and delivery of sponsored research administration training to Office of Research staff, university staff and faculty. Lead ongoing service excellence and continuous improvement initiatives, including business process reviews, streamlining, and working with Office of Research leadership to strengthen support for the NJIT research community.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance and fiscal integrity of proposal submissions and awards. Advises on complex award terms during proposal stage; strategizes and implements compliant solutions exercising sound judgment and professional discretion. Reviews, approves, and authorizes proposal applications, award amendments and administrative correspondence to sponsors as appropriate and in consultation with office leadership.
• University and Industry Service: Stays informed of relevant changes in the sponsored research landscape such as, sponsor requirements, compliance requirements, regulatory requirements, and best practices through involvement in professional networks and training opportunities. Represents the office as needed in various university forums. Serves as university subject-matter expert for training, escalation, advising on matters related to proposal management, award acceptance and administration. Represents the Office of Research in industry associations, forums, and collaborations and works to make NJIT a recognized contributor and innovator in sponsored research. Lead initiatives to improve processes and practices in relevant and impacted areas of sponsored research administration. Participates in campus initiatives, such as system and business process implementations, and maintains systems to track and manage unit-specific activities in a timely and accurate manner. Develops and maintains up-to-date training materials, standards, and operating procedures to ensure consistency in proposals and accepted award terms and conditions. Works with electronic research administration to design, manage, and expand usage and reliability of reports and technology.
• Talent Development and Management: Supervise, support, and develop the central office pre-award research administrator staff. Recruits, hires, and directs the training of staff; determines work plans, sets expectations, goals and objectives, and determines performance standards; evaluates employee performance. Implements best practices in all related areas while empowering staff to excel in their roles and careers.

Prerequisite Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five (5) years progressively responsible experience in the leadership and administration of sponsored research.
• Advanced knowledge of proposal management, award acceptance, subawards, post award financial administration and related federal guidelines, regulations (e.g., Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Regulations), policies, audit, internal controls and compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in the successful management, training, and development of professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of enterprise research administration systems, sponsor systems and the integration and identification of best practices in maximizing technology for efficient workflow and performance.
• Ability to utilize and interpret data for effective, efficient workflow and to achieve and improve customer service and performance goals using good decision-making, judgement and critical/analytical thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to drive and support continuous improvement and change through individual and team contributions.

Department: Office of Research & Development Compensation: $120,000 - $135,000

Range: Non-Aligned -8 NJIT considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, or other items. To learn more about the comprehensive benefits NJIT offers for this position, please visit our benefits page: https://hr.njit.edu/health-benefits.

FLSA: Exempt Time Type: Full time Pay Rate: Salary

Additional Information: As an EEO employer NJIT is committed to building a diverse and inclusive teaching, research, and working environment and strongly encourages applications from individuals with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women.

Employment at NJIT is subject to the provisions of New Jersey First Act which mandates new employees, who are not NJ residents, to establish primary residence in New Jersey within one year of their appointment to certain positions. The law does not apply to any individual employed at NJIT on a temporary or per semester basis as a visiting or adjunct professor, teacher, lecturer, researcher or administrator. For more information on the act please click here.

If special accommodations are needed in applying for a position, please visit the Department of Human Resources located in Fenster Hall, 5th Floor, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102 or call [phone].

If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

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When you work at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), you become part of a dynamic and innovative community dedicated to advancing education, research, and technological excellence. Recognized as New Jersey's premier public polytechnic university, NJIT serves a diverse population of over 12,000 students across six colleges and schools, offering a forward-thinking academic environment in the heart of Newark, just minutes from New York City. At NJIT, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and excellence. Employees are empowered to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful work, and support a mission that shapes the future of technology, education, and research.

Learn more about what we offer here!