Hybrid Sponsored Programs Assistant Director

MSU Innovation Center; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Innovation Center is seeking a Sponsored Programs Assistant Director to lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and subcontracts for MSU and its for-profit research partners, ensuring compliance with university policies and regulatory standards.

This hybrid role requires at least two in-office days per week and occasional travel, with collaboration across regulatory, financial, and sponsored program teams and direct engagement with principal investigators and external

Qualifications

• Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in contract negotiation, supervision and management.
• Knowledge equivalent to four-year college degree in Accounting, Business or Administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and subcontracts for MSU and its for-profit research partners.
• Collaborate with internal regulatory, financial, and sponsored program administration units to ensure compliance and alignment with MSU policies.
• Manage and develop a team focused on contract development and execution, integrating proposal management and accounting systems.
• Engage with sponsors, subcontractors, and university investigators to secure mutually beneficial and compliant agreements.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Negotiation

Collaboration

Leadership

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business or Administration

Tools

MS Office

Adobe

Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)

Job description

MSU Innovation Center is seeking a Sponsored Programs Assistant Director to lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts and subcontracts for MSU and its for-profit research partners, ensuring compliance with university policies and regulatory standards.

This hybrid role requires at least two in-office days per week and occasional travel, with collaboration across regulatory, financial, and sponsored program teams and direct engagement with principal investigators and external