Program Director, Research and Innovation

UIS Observer; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

UIS seeks a Program Director for Research and Innovation to serve as a key liaison between the ORSP and faculty, staff, students, and external partners, coordinating innovative research initiatives that advance UIS's mission.

The role provides comprehensive support for research activities, ensures compliance and planning, and oversees program development, data analysis, and reporting to drive strategic decision‑making and community impact. On‑campus position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; one year of related education, training and/or work experience is expected.
• Experience in higher education, research administration, or similar environment is preferred.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with accuracy and organization.
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research (2 CFR 200; 45 CFR 46).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer research development, compliance, and innovation programs within ORSP.
• Support development, implementation, and evaluation of goals, policies, and procedures.
• Foster collaboration with university leadership, faculty, staff, external agencies, and partners.
• Coordinate planning, implementation, and assessment of research-related programs and events.
• Provide guidance on research compliance and risk management to unit leadership.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Customer service

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

MS Office

Database skills

Web-based applications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitution

Higher education administration

Research administration

Job description

Program Director, Research and Innovation

Program Director, Research and Innovation

Posting Category:

About UIS: Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://www.uis.edu .

Minimum Starting Salary: $33.33 per hour/7.5 hour day

Summary:

The Program Director for Research and Innovation serves as a vital administrative professional within the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) at the University of Illinois Springfield. This position acts as a key liaison between the university's research office and diverse stakeholders, such as faculty, staff, students and external partners to coordinate innovative research initiatives that advance the UIS mission of research excellence and community impact. The Program Director for Research and Innovation also provides comprehensive support for faculty, staff, and students in their research activities.
This is an on-campus position.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Administration and Leadership: Under the direction of the Associate Director of Pre-Award, coordinate and administer research development, compliance, and innovation programs within the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures to advance the university's research mission. Serve as a liaison among university leadership, faculty, staff, external agencies, community organizations, and research partners to foster collaborative research initiatives and strategic partnerships. Coordinate the planning, implementation, and assessment of research-related programs, workshops, conferences, seminars, and special initiatives.

Research Compliance Program Management: Administer research compliance activities related to human subjects research and institutional review processes. Provide guidance and support to faculty, staff, and students regarding regulatory requirements and university policies governing research compliance. Monitor compliance program effectiveness, identify and recommend policy and procedural improvements, and coordinate implementation of regulatory updates. Provide information and recommendations to unit leadership on matters related to research compliance and risk management within assigned areas of responsibility.

Strategic Planning and Program Development: Support the development and implementation of initiatives that expand research capacity, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and strengthen external partnerships. Collaborate with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and unit leadership in identifying strategic opportunities that advance institutional research and innovation goals. Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements to enhance research engagement, compliance outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Data Analysis, Assessment, and Reporting: Coordinate the collection, management, and analysis of research compliance and programmatic data. Maintain and assist in developing reporting mechanisms, performance metrics, and assessment tools to evaluate research activities and program outcomes. Prepare analytical reports and recommendations for unit leadership, external agencies, and other stakeholders to support strategic decision-making and continuous program improvement.

Proposal Submission Systems: Collaborate with ORSP staff to upload grant proposal documents to electronic systems such as Grants.gov, eRA Commons, HEP IS, and Research.gov, among others, and troubleshoot technical issues related to proposal submissions. Assist faculty and staff with proposal initiation and management in systems such as myProposals and myResearch. Provide training to faculty and staff about using electronic systems for proposal submission.

Communications and Outreach: Direct outreach and communication efforts that promote research activities, compliance initiatives, and innovation programs. Collaborate with university communications personnel to develop strategic messaging and promotional materials. Represent ORSP at university events, conferences, and community meetings.

Administrative Oversight: Provide administrative support to the Associate Director of Pre-Award and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation in the development, implementation, and evaluation of research and innovation initiatives. Participate in departmental planning activities, establish operational priorities for assigned programs, and ensure effective coordination of program resources and services.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree.
A total of one (1) year (12 months) in education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position. (Note: Master’s Degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience.)
Based on position requirements, additional education, training, and/or work experience in the area of specialization inherent to the position, may be required.
Additional education, training and/or work experience in the area of specialization:

Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in relevant field (higher education administration, business administration, marketing, management or
related discipline)
Graduate work or a master’s degree in a related field (e.g., research administration, research evaluation, business administration, management, or a relevant scientific discipline)
Professional experience in higher education, research administration, or similar environment
Experience effectively multi-tasking in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high degree of accuracy and organization
Working knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and guidance governing sponsored research and compliance, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule).
Experience with research administration, research compliance, sponsored programs, or a closely related area in higher education.
Experience delivering training, developing resources, or other programming related to research, compliance, and/or sponsored programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects research
Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail
Demonstrated superior customer service orientation and outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and web-based applications

Employment Policies and other information:

Failure to accurately describe work experience, or failure to submit college transcripts may result in an applicant not being admitted to the exam.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations. Visit University of Illinois Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment .

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

UIS employment in this role is not covered by Social Security, and instead, is covered by the State University Retirement System.

• You will not pay Social Security taxes and your earning will not be on your Social Security Record. (Your record will, however, show your Medicare wages.
• Your pension from the State Universities Retirement System may affect the amount of your:

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at [e-mail] or call 217-206-6652.

Please Note: All postings close at 5:00pm CST on the posting close date.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

University of Illinois at Springfield Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The University of Illinois Springfield Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available. This report includes statistics from the previous three years concerning reported crime that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University of Illinois Springfield campus and statistics for fires in on-campus student housing. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and other safety information along with fire safety policies and procedures. To access the report online: http://www.uis.edu/about/overview/safety/

To obtain a hard copy: University Police Department, University of Illinois Springfield, One University Plaza, MS PDB1, Springfield, IL 62703-5407

University of Illinois at Springfield . One University Plaza . MS HRB30 . Springfield, Illinois 62703 . 217-206-6652. www.uis.edu/humanresources