Director, Office of Research Administration
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director, Office of Research Administration. Position details include:
Location: Hattiesburg, 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States
Division: Office of Research Administration
Position Type: Staff
Employment Status: Full Time
Grant Funded: No
Salary Range: $103,272.00 - $139,722.00
Pay Grade: E18
Posting Close Date: September 19, 2025
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The Director of Research Administration provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of research administration at a top-tier R1 institution. This role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations while supporting faculty and researchers in securing and managing external funding. The Director leads a team responsible for pre-award and post-award services and related compliance areas. They collaborate with academic leadership, principal investigators, and external sponsors to foster a robust research environment that advances the institution's mission of innovation and discovery.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Oversee and lead all pre-award operations, ensuring high-quality service and compliant proposal submissions. Supervise pre-award staff, manage performance and development, guide institutional proposal policy and training, and serve as an authorized institutional signatory. Coordinate with faculty and leadership to interpret sponsor regulations, improve workflows, and maintain effective use of electronic research systems.
Direct post-award administration, including budget management, financial reporting, billing, subrecipient monitoring, audit response, and grant closeouts. Supervise post-award staff, ensure adherence to federal and institutional policies (OMB Uniform Guidance, GAAP, etc.), and maintain financial systems that support accurate tracking, compliance, and indirect cost recovery.
Develop, implement, and assess research administration policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Interpret federal and sponsor regulations, lead process improvement initiatives, and collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent and effective application of policies across the university.
Serve as the primary liaison between faculty, sponsors, and university leadership, facilitating effective communication and alignment of expectations throughout the grant lifecycle. Advocate for investigator needs while ensuring adherence to institutional and sponsor requirements.
Other Duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Business Administration, or Research Administration or a related field and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration within an institution of higher education. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential required (or to be acquired within 9 months of start date).
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Professional Knowledge and Application: Deep knowledge of federal, state, and institutional regulations governing sponsored research, including OMB Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, DOE, and FAR. Demonstrated understanding of pre- and post-award functions and compliance frameworks. Actively applies professional knowledge to improve efficiency and guide policy and systems improvements. Supports staff development and promotes a culture of continuous learning and compliance.
Business Strategy and Acumen: Understands the research enterprise in higher education and can connect day-to-day operations to institutional research goals. Applies financial and regulatory knowledge to assess risks and opportunities, align services with sponsor expectations, and support long-term research growth.
Business Execution: Demonstrates strong planning, organizational, and analytical skills. Participates in initiatives to improve service, reduce risk, and implement audit controls. Manages complex grants and contracts through all lifecycle stages. Navigates institutional systems and sponsor portals effectively.
Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and in a timely manner with faculty, staff, leadership, and sponsors. Interprets and supports implementation of policies, procedures, and sponsor requirements. Tailors communication to various audiences and facilitates understanding across units. Promotes transparency and clarity in all compliance and process guidance.
Relationship Management: Builds and maintains trust-based relationships with faculty, administrators, sponsors, and auditors. Collaborates across departments to implement improvements and resolve issues. Fosters a service-oriented culture that balances compliance with faculty support. Effectively manages and de-escalates conflict.
Leadership: Leads and mentors a cross-functional team of pre- and post-award professionals. Promotes accountability, high performance, and ethical conduct. Demonstrates flexibility, resilience, and adaptability during change. Provides clear expectations and feedback, recognizes success, and cultivates staff as trusted experts in research administration. Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Ten years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, preferably within a centralized support office at a research-intensive higher education institution. Ideal candidates will also have experience with enterprise research administration systems like Cayuse, InfoEd, or Huron, as well as ERP systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, or Ellucian.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We're developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.