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

The primary responsibility of the Sponsored Programs Assistant Director is to lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts, subcontracts, and related documents that align with the strategic goals of Michigan State University (MSU) and its for-profit research partners. This includes ensuring full compliance with university policies, business practices, and applicable legal and regulatory standards.

This position plays a critical role in cultivating and managing corporate partnerships that advance MSU’s research and innovation agenda. It requires regular collaboration with internal units responsible for regulatory oversight, financial management, and sponsored program administration. This role oversees a team dedicated to contract development and execution, ensuring that proposal management and accounting systems are effectively integrated to support research objectives. Through direct engagement with for-profit sponsors and subcontractors, and close coordination with University Principal Investigators and research administrators, the position secures agreements that are both mutually beneficial and compliant, supporting the long-term success of MSU’s research mission.

This hybrid role requires a minimum of two in-office days per week and may involve occasional travel to off-site locations. Regular communication is expected with faculty, research administrators, and internal compliance partners, as well as external legal representatives from partnering organizations. The Sponsored Programs Assistant Director reports directly to the Executive Director of MSU Business Connect.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with use of a computer, MS Office suite, Adobe, video conferencing software (Zoom, Teams).

Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, leadership skills, adaptability, organizational skills, ability to balance competing priorities and multiple deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Accounting, Business or Administration.
• Experience: Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in contract negotiation, supervision and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://innovationcenter.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends October 13, 2026, 11:55 PM