DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director, Office of Research Administration.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Research Administration provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of research administration at a top-tier R1 institution. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting faculty and researchers in securing and managing external funding. The Director leads a team responsible for pre-award and post-award services and related compliance areas. They collaborate with academic leadership, principal investigators, and external sponsors to foster a robust research environment that advances the institution’s mission of innovation and discovery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or Research Administration or a related field (e.g.,) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration within an institution of higher education. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential required (or to be acquired within 9 months of start date).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Professional Knowledge and Application: Deep knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored research, including OMB Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, DOE, and FAR. Demonstrated understanding of pre- and post-award functions and compliance frameworks. Actively applies professional knowledge to improve efficiency and guide policy and systems improvements. Supports staff development and promotes a culture of continuous learning and compliance.
• Business Strategy and Acumen: Understands the research enterprise in higher education and can connect day-to-day operations to institutional research goals. Applies financial and regulatory knowledge to assess risks and opportunities, align services with sponsor expectations, and support long-term research growth.
• Business Execution: Demonstrates strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills. Participates in initiatives to improve service, reduce risk, and implement audit controls. Manages complex grants and contracts through all lifecycle stages. Navigates institutional systems and sponsor portals effectively.
• Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and in a timely manner with faculty, staff, leadership, and sponsors. Interprets and supports implementation of policies, procedures, and sponsor requirements. Tailors communication to various audiences and facilitates understanding across units. Promotes transparency and clarity in all compliance and process guidance.
• Relationship Management: Builds and maintains trust-based relationships with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and auditors. Collaborates across departments to implement improvements and resolve issues. Fosters a service-oriented culture that balances compliance with faculty support. Effectively manages and de-escalates conflict.
• Leadership: Leads and mentors a cross-functional team of pre- and post-award professionals. Promotes accountability, high performance, and ethical conduct. Demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and adaptability during change. Provides clear expectations and feedback, recognizes success, and cultivates staff as trusted experts in research administration. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

10 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, preferably within a centralized support office at a research-intensive higher education institution. Ideal candidates will also have experience with enterprise research administration systems like Cayuse, InfoEd, or Huron, as well as ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, or Ellucian.

• Oversee and lead all pre-award operations, ensuring high-quality service and compliant proposal submissions. Supervise pre-award staff, manage performance and development, guide institutional proposal policy and training, and serve as an authorized institutional signatory. Coordinate with faculty and leadership to interpret sponsor regulations, improve workflows, and maintain effective use of electronic research systems.
• Direct post-award administration, including budget management, financial reporting, billing, subrecipient monitoring, audit response, and grant closeouts. Supervise post-award staff, ensure adherence to federal and institutional policies (OMB Uniform Guidance, GAAP, etc.), and maintain financial systems that support accurate tracking, compliance, and indirect cost recovery.
• Develop, implement, and assess research administration policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Interpret federal and sponsor regulations, lead process improvement initiatives, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and effective application of policies across the university.
• Serve as the primary liaison between faculty, sponsors, and university leadership, facilitating effective communication and alignment of expectations throughout the grant lifecycle. Advocate for investigator needs while ensuring adherence to institutional and sponsor requirements.
• Other Duties as assigned.