Senior Director of Pre-Award

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

SUMMARY:

The Senior Director of Pre-Award, will play a pivotal role in leading and enhancing the pre-award aspects of sponsored project administration at our university, focusing on our Federal and University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) contracts.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Supervisory authority for Research Administrators on Sponsored Programs Office Pre-Award staff.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Programs of Pre-Award, this role is crucial for upholding the highest standards of quality control in unit operations. This includes establishing and enforcing standard operating procedures and managing the full spectrum of pre-award activities including proposal review, submission, and agreement negotiation. You will serve as the primary point of contact for the unit's internal and external stakeholders, ensuring their needs and expectations are met.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead and ensure the timely, accurate, and cost-effective processing of all research proposals, maintaining compliance with federal regulations and university policies.
• Foster direct outreach to deans and directors, building strong relationships across departments engaged in sponsored research.
• Oversee a unit of administrative and support staff, maximizing performance and facilitating professional development.
• Guide and mentor pre-award professional staff towards a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage complex or high-value research portfolios, providing strategic direction and technical assistance to research administrators.
• Ensure adherence to UARC and DoD contract management best practices and federal regulations such as 2 CFR 200.
• Stay informed of changes in federal and local laws, regulations, sponsor policies, and procedures impacting sponsored programs, and interpret these as needed for the university community.

CORE COMPETENCIES:   

• Expertise in managing pre-award aspects of sponsored project administration within a university or research setting.
• Specialized knowledge in federal contract compliance, with an emphasis on UARC operations or familiarity with DoD contracts.
• Leadership ability to steer a team of professionals in administrative and contract management roles.
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills coupled with the ability to conduct training and foster relationships.
• Adept at implementing and maintaining standard operating procedures to elevate service quality and efficiency.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree is essential, with a Master's degree highly preferred, supplemented by extensive experience in grant and contract administration.
• Leadership experience is crucial, particularly in guiding a team dedicated to contract administration.
• Exceptional organizational skills are a must, with the capacity to handle multiple concurrent projects.
• A proven track record in successful contract negotiations, aimed at forging strong alliances with sponsori