AVP, Sponsored Research Programs

The AVP for Sponsored Research Programs and Research Compliance reports to the SVP for Research and Innovation and collaborates closely with the SVP Finance/CFO. This position provides leadership, operational oversight and stewardship across the full lifecycle of sponsored research program administration, encompassing both pre and post award management. The AVP is responsible for designing, refining and implementing efficient, scalable, and compliant operational processes that support the growth, integrity and sustainability of the institution’s research enterprise. Key responsibilities include oversight of all aspects of pre-award services and post-award management, including but not limited to grant budget development, submission of just-in-time information, time and effort allocation, expenditure coding, financial tracking and burn rate monitoring, invoicing, and ensuring compliance with sponsor terms and applicable regulations. This position plays a critical role in advancing the institution’s research mission by fostering a culture of research excellence, operational efficiency, regulatory integrity, and service-centric support for faculty and investigators. Managing a department of 2-3 Directors and their direct reports, the AVP ensures the effective delivery and continuous improvement of sponsored research services, while cultivating a high-performance culture aligned with the institution's mission and strategic goals.

Essential Functions (Duties and Responsibilities) – Assign a percentage to each essential function (equal to 100%):

• Designing & Refining Operational Processes 25%
• Pre-Award Grant Management 25%
• Post-Award Grant Management  25%
• Regulatory Compliance Administration 15%
• Other 10%

  =100%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of federal grant regulations and research compliance guidelines
• Experience with sponsored grant programs and management
• Strong Project management skills to manage multiple tasks and grants simultaneously
• Deep understanding of financial statements, budgeting principles, and cost accounting practices. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with researchers, administrators, and compliance officers
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and identify potential compliance risks 
• Legal and ethical understanding of research practices
• Knowledge and experience with business process/data modeling software, Workday and Kuali preferred

Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree in the Sciences and/or Business Administration (e.g. Master’s, PhD) is preferred
• A minimum of eight (8) years of finance/accounting experience is required. Additional education may be substituted for some experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulations governing research and sponsored programs and proficiency in administering provisions of 2 CFR 200 (e.g. Uniform Guidance)
• Extensive experience in all facets of pre-award and post-award management including grant budgeting, sub-awards, deadline management, and compliance with institutional and training grant policies. Proficient in all aspects of funding programs and proposal policies, with a strong track record in creating and evaluating budgets for grant applications.
• Articulate and present vital decision-making data and information to senior leadership, leveraging both visual and written forms of communication
• Demonstrated success in leading teams to achieve goals, providing feedback, managing conflicts, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Strong empathy and emotional intelligence.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Demands

• Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods / Manual dexterity / Visual and auditory acuity / bend, stoop, reach to file and retrieve / Ability to lift 20 pounds
• May require overtime or weekend work during peak processing times to meet deadlines.

Principal Responsibilities:

25% - Refining Operational Proceses

• Work with senior leadership to develop various ways to increase overall grant activity and the number of successful grants across the Arts and Sciences.
• Determine key performance indicators for the Research Development and Grant Administration team. Track KPIs regularly to monitor progress toward goals and ensure a holistic view of team performance.
• Identify strengths and improvement opportunities; develop and oversee the implementation of action plans. Oversee reporting on application submissions and outcomes to leadership.

25% - Pre-Award