Career Center at Portland State University
Director of Sponsored Projects Administration
Career Center at Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Director of Sponsored Projects Administration
Portland State University (PSU) is Oregon’s most affordable public research university, located in the heart of one of America’s most dynamic cities. Our mission to “let knowledge serve the city” reflects our dedication to turning ideas into action — in Portland and around the world.
Position Summary: The Director of Sponsored Projects Administration oversees the operations of and manages staff within the office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), the centralized administrative unit responsible for University-wide administration of external funding. The Director provides oversight, strategic coordination, and integration of the University’s comprehensive research administration infrastructure supporting the entire sponsored project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities: • Coordinate seamless flow of activities across the sponsored project lifecycle—from proposal development through final award closeout—by establishing efficient, integrated processes and fostering a shared, compliant operational understanding across all teams. • Manage the centralized Pre‑Award and Post‑Award operations, and a centralized Departmental Research Administration function. • Serve as the institutional representative with external sponsors, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, and sponsor requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Eight years of progressively responsible experience in research administration in a higher education setting.
Four years of direct supervisory or management experience over professional staff.
Proven leadership skills related to research administration.
Thorough knowledge of federal regulations governing grant and contract administration (e.g., Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR 200, Federal Acquisition Regulations) and extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and requirements of federal and private funding agencies.
Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
High level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience with interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies as it relates to research administration.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans, policies, and process integration initiatives across multiple administrative units.
Award negotiation experience.
Internal training program development for staff.
Key Skills and Abilities
Exceptional executive leadership and communication skills, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented culture.
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and development of internal fiscal controls.
Demonstrated negotiation ability as the authorized organizational representative to negotiate complex grant and contract terms with sponsors and industry partners.
Key Cultural Competencies
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adhere to all of PSU’s policies, including the policies on prohibited discrimination & harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday – Friday, 40 hrs per week; directors are expected to work on campus five days per week.
Total Compensation and Benefits The starting annual salary range for this position is $127,836 – $145,716; this may be negotiated above this range based on experience, skill set, market parity, and internal equity. An excellent benefits package includes 95 % premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions To apply, please upload the following required documents:
Resume – outlining professional experience and education.
Cover letter – describing your interest in this position at PSU (about one page).
List of three professional references – include name, title, company, relationship to applicant (e.g., supervisor), email, and phone number.
Questions about the position can be directed to:
Dawn Boatman – Assistant Vice President, Research Administration, Research & Graduate Studies Email: dboatman@pdx.edu Phone: (503) 725‑8306
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Position Summary: The Director of Sponsored Projects Administration oversees the operations of and manages staff within the office of Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), the centralized administrative unit responsible for University-wide administration of external funding. The Director provides oversight, strategic coordination, and integration of the University’s comprehensive research administration infrastructure supporting the entire sponsored project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities: • Coordinate seamless flow of activities across the sponsored project lifecycle—from proposal development through final award closeout—by establishing efficient, integrated processes and fostering a shared, compliant operational understanding across all teams. • Manage the centralized Pre‑Award and Post‑Award operations, and a centralized Departmental Research Administration function. • Serve as the institutional representative with external sponsors, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations, and sponsor requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
Eight years of progressively responsible experience in research administration in a higher education setting.
Four years of direct supervisory or management experience over professional staff.
Proven leadership skills related to research administration.
Thorough knowledge of federal regulations governing grant and contract administration (e.g., Uniform Guidance – 2 CFR 200, Federal Acquisition Regulations) and extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and requirements of federal and private funding agencies.
Excellent written and oral communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
High level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem‑solving skills.
Experience with interpretation of laws, regulations, and policies as it relates to research administration.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience developing and executing strategic plans, policies, and process integration initiatives across multiple administrative units.
Award negotiation experience.
Internal training program development for staff.
Key Skills and Abilities
Exceptional executive leadership and communication skills, fostering a collaborative, service‑oriented culture.
Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and development of internal fiscal controls.
Demonstrated negotiation ability as the authorized organizational representative to negotiate complex grant and contract terms with sponsors and industry partners.
Key Cultural Competencies
Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
Communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
Adhere to all of PSU’s policies, including the policies on prohibited discrimination & harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
Environmental Stewardship Contribute to a culture of environmental stewardship, practices resource conservation, and actively work toward achieving long‑term sustainability goals.
Work Days/Hours Monday – Friday, 40 hrs per week; directors are expected to work on campus five days per week.
Total Compensation and Benefits The starting annual salary range for this position is $127,836 – $145,716; this may be negotiated above this range based on experience, skill set, market parity, and internal equity. An excellent benefits package includes 95 % premium‑paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any Oregon University System schools.
Application Instructions To apply, please upload the following required documents:
Resume – outlining professional experience and education.
Cover letter – describing your interest in this position at PSU (about one page).
List of three professional references – include name, title, company, relationship to applicant (e.g., supervisor), email, and phone number.
Questions about the position can be directed to:
Dawn Boatman – Assistant Vice President, Research Administration, Research & Graduate Studies Email: dboatman@pdx.edu Phone: (503) 725‑8306
#J-18808-Ljbffr