Director of Sponsored Projects

Tsaile Campus

Duty Schedule:

M-F, 8-5, evenings and weekends as needed

Summary/Objective of Position:

The Director of Sponsored Projects will organize and direct grants and sponsored research under the direction of the Vice Provost for Research. Director will oversee all aspects of sponsored projects support and compliance, including the supervision of the Pre-Award Coordinator and the Post-Award Coordinator. Responsible for overall excellence in service and support to PIs at the College. Advises and interprets research funding awards and serves as the subject matter expert for sponsor policies and procedures.

Description of Essential Functions of the Position

Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and grant contract requirements.
• Assess the effectiveness of internal controls and compliance
• Keep Vice Provost for Research and other staff informed about regulatory changes in uniform guidance or other sponsor policies
• Provide updates and status reports on sponsored projects on a regular basis
• Assist PIs in negotiations with sponsors on post-award issues. Support PIs to process changes and extensions as needed.
• Ensure excellent customer service to all PIs and prospective PIs at the College with courteous, prompt and helpful disposition
• Ensure Sponsored Project team performance relative to accuracy timeliness, and customer service.
• Work well with a wide variety of campus constituencies and represent the Research Office on committees and in other capacities as needed
• Design and deliver training for PIs and prospective PIs in cooperation with other Research Office staff on topics related to sponsored projects

• create, adjust, and maintain budget templates
• report on key research metrics for the institution

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Minimum:

Bachelor's Degree, with 5-7 years of administrative, budgeting, and project management experience with experience in grants management and/or research administration strongly preferred

Preferred:

MA, MBA, PhD, or other advanced degree

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of business management principles
• Knowledge of internal audit and compliance preferred
• Knowledge of federal grant and contracts and ability to make sound determinations about when additional legal review is require
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200, federal acquisition regulations, and agency funding guidelines highly desirable
• Understanding of federal regulations and agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research including NSF, USDA, NIH NEA, NEH desirable

Skills:

• evidence of ability to craft and manage budgets effectively
• understanding of basic IRB functions and regulations
• capable or producing creative and innovative solutions appropriate for Dine' College and Navajo Nation
• Excellent written, verbal, editing English language skills

Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and facilitate negotiations
• Ability to manage and direct unit operations
• Ability to recruit and manage staff
• Demonstrate empathy for PIs who juggle teaching, research, and service commitments at the College
• Ability to give and to receive direction
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and respond to changing needs as they arise
• Ability to deal with ambiguity and make sound judgments
  

Physical Requirements, Work Environment & Travel:

Regular office desk duties, occasionally lifting items of 25 lbs or less.

Other Requirement(s):

Valid driver license and willingness to travel occasionally.