Sponsored Programs Assistant Director

MSU Innovation Center; East Lansing (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

MSU Innovation Center is seeking a Sponsored Programs Assistant Director to lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts with for-profit partners. You will oversee contract development, coordinate with internal units, and ensure regulatory and university compliance.

The role requires collaboration with investigators and sponsors, and reports to the Executive Director of MSU Business Connect. A hybrid schedule with two in-office days weekly is expected, with potential travel.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts, subcontracts, and related documents to align with MSU goals.
• Oversee a team responsible for contract development and execution and integrate proposal management and accounting systems.
• Collaborate with internal units, investigators, and sponsors to finalize mutually beneficial, compliant agreements.
• Report to the Executive Director of MSU Business Connect and maintain regular communication with stakeholders.

Skills

MS Office

Adobe

Video conferencing

Verbal and written communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Collaboration

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Four-year college degree in Accounting/Business/Administration

Tools

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.

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Accounting, Business or Administration; 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.

Desired Qualifications

• A Juris Doctor with subsequent professional experience in contract law.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the area of university-for-profit relations and clinical trials.
• Evidence of creative solutions in complex negotiations and experience in negotiating;A broad understanding of typical productive contract terms in university-for-profit

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.

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, and resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

Bidding eligibility ends November 24, 2026, 11:55 PM