HIRING DEPARTMENT

Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP), Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in UMKC’s Office of Research Services (ORS).

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Associate Director of the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) provides strategic leadership, oversight, and expertise in managing the full lifecycle of externally funded research and sponsored projects at UMKC. This position ensures the effective administration of pre-award and post-award functions, supervises cradle-to-grave program managers, and maintains compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations. Serving as a key liaison between faculty, researchers, administrators, and external sponsors, the Director advances the university’s research mission by optimizing processes, fostering strong partnerships, and ensuring adherence to best practices in sponsored research administration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 5 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, including leadership and supervisory experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations governing research funding (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, DOD, USDA regulations).
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop teams, oversee complex projects, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems and financial management tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience in a higher education or research-intensive institutional setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing policies and procedures in sponsored research administration.
• Master’s degree preferred.

ROLES

• Member of the ORS leadership team
• Management – Lead the OSP team
• Research Administration – Oversee the administration and compliance of all externally funded research projects

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Member of the ORS leadership team
• Strategic Planning – contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans to enhance research support services
• Policy Development – assist in formulating and revising policies and procedures related to research administration
• Cross-Department Collaboration – foster collaborative relationship with other university departments and external entities to support research initiatives
• Decision Making – participate in high-level decision making processes regarding research funding, compliance, and resource allocation
• Performance Monitoring – evaluate the effectiveness of research services and recommend improvements
• Management – Lead OSP team
• Team Management – Supervise and support the OSP team, promoting professional development and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Performance Management – conduct regular performance evaluations, provide feedback, and support professional development opportunities
• Workload Management – oversee the distribution of workloads and ensure staff have the resources and support needed to fulfill their responsibilities
• Recruitment and Retention – participate in the recruitment, hiring, and retention of qualified staff
• Training and Development – identify training needs and facilitate professional development activities for staff
• Conflict Resolution – address and mediate any workplace conflicts or issues that arise within the Pre-Post team
• Research Administration
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight – Ensure all sponsored activities align with institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and regulatory requirements
• Policy Development – assist in formulating and revising policies and procedures related to research administration
• Process Improvement – Identify and implement process enhancements to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of research administration
• Proposal and Award Management – Provide expert guidance on the development of proposals and the management of awards
• Audit Preparation – assist with coordinating and prepare for audits and reviews by external and internal agencies

DUTIES

• Proposal Development – Oversee the OSP team in the preparation, review, and submission of grant and contract proposals
• Award Negotiation and Acceptance – Oversee administration of the negotiation and acceptance of awards, ensuring terms are favorable and compliant
• Financial Stewardship – Monitor financial management of awards, ensuring proper allocation and use of funds
• Reporting – Ensure timely and accurate reporting to sponsors and stakeholders
• Training and Support – Provide training and support to faculty and staff on research administration processes and best practices
• Problem Resolution – address issues related to project management
• Audit Preparation – prepare for and coordinate audits by funding agencies
• Leadership and Mentorship – provide leadership and mentorship to staff
• Performance Management – conduct regular performance reviews and provide timely feedback
• Workload Management – allocate tasks and manage workloads effectively
• Recruitment and Retention – participate in hiring processes and work to retain qualified staff
• Training and Development – facilitate training and professional development opportunities
• Conflict Resolution – mediate and resolve workplace conflicts
• Other duties as assigned