Description & Details: SPA is seeking an Assistant Director who will provide leadership and oversight for pre-award and post-award research administration in support of the university's research mission. This position reviews, approves, and facilitates the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiates and accepts grants, contracts, and other research agreements; and serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for institutional signature authority. The Assistant Director supervises SPA staff, supports strategic and operational initiatives, manages sponsored programs activities during the Director's absence, and collaborates with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, and external sponsors to ensure compliant, efficient, and high-quality research administration services. The role also contributes to research administration system management, reporting, process improvement, staff development, and initiatives that strengthen institutional research capacity and competitiveness.
The Assistant Director should be a strategic and collaborative leader with awareness across the sponsored programs lifecycle, strong knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, and a commitment to service excellence. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills; the ability to work effectively across organizational levels; and an interest in leveraging technology and process improvements to support a dynamic research enterprise. Experience with higher education research administration and electronic research administration systems is highly valued.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm academic year, 7:30 am-4:00 pm summer hours/winter break hours
Hiring Range: $71,000-$90,000 plus excellent benefits!
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Minimum Qualifications :
- Bachelor's Degree with at least 2 years of project management, program design, or grants experience, or any combination.
- Research administration knowledge, including regulatory compliance.
- Experience with electronic research administration (ERA) or enterprise-level system.
- Awareness of federal electronic award systems (e.g. Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA Commons, etc.)
- Experience with proposal review and/or submission.
- Experience with negotiation of agreements.
Preferred Qualifications :
- Certified Research Administration (CRA), or Master's Degree, or Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Advanced research administration experience, preferably in sponsored programs in higher ed environment.
- Pre- and/or post-award experience, or combination, in higher ed environment.
- Experience in supervision of staff.
- Experience with Novelution ERA system.
- Experience with proposal review and/or submission in university research administration setting.
- Experience with negotiation of grants &/or contracts in university research administration setting.
Applicant Materials Required: Please include a resumé, a cover letter individually addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications , and contact information for three professional references with your application materials.
Application Process: Any questions about the search can be directed to the search committee at
[email protected] . While applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, full consideration will be given to candidates who submit application materials by end of day
September 7, 2026. Applications accepted online at https://www.ndsu.edu/employment/
NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS! Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success. Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health & Wellness - 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
- Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
- Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
- Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
Exceptional Retirement Plan - Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26% , depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
Time Away & Support - Generous annual leave , sick leave , and 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
- Supportive work-life balance
Education Benefits That Grow With You - Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
- 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
Additional Optional Benefits - Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
- Supplemental Retirement Plans
Explore Full Benefit Details: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU 
