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

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Director of Pre-Award – Incoming Awards & Account Setup - leads Howard University’s pre-award operations for all incoming sponsored awards and institutional account establishment. This role ensures that awards, contracts, and modifications are negotiated, accepted, and entered into institutional systems (e.g., Cayuse, Workday) with accuracy, timeliness, and compliance to federal, sponsor, and university policies.

With a focus on incoming awards and account setup, the Senior Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership to a team responsible for contract negotiation, award intake, amendments, prior approvals, and account establishment. The role emphasizes building structure, enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training staff to ensure sponsor expectations are met, audit risks are minimized, and faculty receive timely support.

As a peer to the Senior Director of Outgoing Proposals & Subawards, this position plays a critical role in shaping a cohesive, professional, and service-driven Pre-Award Office that supports the university’s research growth and compliance objectives.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

• Directly supervises Pre-Award Research Administrators and administrative support staff.
• Provides oversight, negotiation and execution of incoming sponsored awards, award set-up, and award modifications within the Sponsored Programs Office.
• Provides training, mentorship, and professional development to pre-award staff to ensure continuous improvement in research administration.
• Oversees faculty engagement and training efforts, ensuring faculty and research administrators receive guidance on proposal development and compliance.
• Collaborates with the Senior Director of Pre-Award (Outgoing Proposals and Agreements) to establish best practices and ensure seamless pre-award operations.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

• Reports directly to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Sponsored Programs and serves as one of two senior leaders of the Pre-Award Office.
• Provides oversight for all incoming sponsored awards and institutional account establishment, including negotiation, acceptance, amendments, and prior approvals.
• Ensures all new awards and modifications are accurately established in Cayuse and Workday, with complete documentation, budget alignment, and compliance approvals.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for institutional negotiations with external sponsors and subrecipient institutions related to incoming awards.
• Partners with the Senior Director of Outgoing Proposals & Subawards to align workflows, ensure consistent SOPs, and maintain seamless transitions from proposal submission to award setup.
• Acts as an escalation point for complex negotiations, compliance risks, or sponsor-related issues that require institutional resolution.
• Cross-trains with the Senior Director of Outgoing Proposals & Subawards to ensure continuity of leadership across the full pre-award lifecycle.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Incoming Awards & Negotiation

• Lead negotiation, review, and acceptance of all incoming sponsored a