Director of Sponsored Programs

TITLE: Director of Sponsored Programs

DEPARTMENT: Office of Research and Innovation

REPORTS TO: Vice Provost for Research 

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

Under the direction of the Vice Provost for Research, the Director of Sponsored Programs is responsible for the management and oversight of the pre- and post-award of grants and contract negotiations related to sponsored programs within the Office of Research and Innovation at Kentucky State University (KSU). The Director supports the Vice Provost for Research in efforts to advance the university's external funding portfolio and directs funds to support the mission and strategic research priorities of the University. The Director will take a strategic approach to institutional efforts to obtain external funding through grants, contracts, and other sources.

The Director is responsible for the administration and management of KSU Sponsored Programs, ensuring compliance with all federal administrative requirements and costing principles, state regulations, grantor restrictions, and university fiscal policies. The Director oversees all aspects of proposal administration, sponsored program agreements, and contract negotiation with external agencies. The position assists senior administrators and principal investigators with issues related to externally sponsored research activities and affiliated contractual requirements

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Effective supervision of pre- and post-award grants management personnel in support of the Vice Provost for Research and the missions of the Office of Research and Innovation and the University.
• Plans, develops, implements, and evaluates policies and processes to support and advance the sponsored research program. Develops policies for the Office of Research to promote improvement of processes with adherence to relevant university, state, and federal guidelines.
• Maintains knowledge of and continually reviews and updates information pertaining to changes in federal regulations, specific federal agency requirements, and procedures for administration of sponsored awards.
• Oversees sponsored program activities to include contract and subcontract preparation, negotiation, and recommendation for acceptance.
• Maintains general knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relating to the protection of human subjects, animal welfare, intellectual property, conflict of interest, cost-accounting standards, and other compliance related activities. 
• Maintains the confidentiality of designated information and performing duties in compliance with applicable policies and procedures
• Demonstrates proficiency in creating a welcoming environment and sense of belonging, valuing the unique qualities each member contributes to the unit, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Oversees the submission of proposals to extramural sponsors for research, training, instructional, and other sponsored activities.
• Oversees the post-award administration of all sponsored programs for the University.
• Supports the Vice Provost for Research in ensuring adequate training of pre- and post-award grants management staff.
• Trains Office of Research and Innovation staff on federal systems used to prepare and submit grant applications electronically, such as ASSIST, Research.gov, and Grants.gov.
• Ensures timely processing of departmental/grant contractual/service/consultant agreements.
• Develops new policies and procedures to ensure the efficient operation of the Office of Research and Innovation, routinely evaluating current policies to continually improve operations
• Monitors, keeps current with, interprets, and directs proper application of government and other external funding organizations' rules and regulations.