Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number
NC00841

Position Title
Director of Sponsored Programs

Division
Academic Affairs Division

Department Name
Office of Sponsored Programs

Position Type
Staff - Non Classified

Position Overview

Rhode Island College seeks an experienced and collaborative Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs to advance the College's research enterprise and expand external funding in support of institutional priorities. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, this role provides leadership in grant development, research collaboration, and regulatory compliance across the College.

The Director leads all pre-award sponsored program functions, supporting faculty and staff in proposal and budget development, submission, and negotiation, while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. This position works closely with academic and administrative units, external partners, and the Rhode Island College Foundation to identify funding opportunities, develop interdisciplinary initiatives, and diversify revenue streams.

This role is ideal for a strategic leader with deep experience in grant development and research administration who is motivated to build capacity, foster collaboration, and support sustainable, externally funded initiatives.

Primary Purpose

Work with the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs to lead, develop, and advance new research and Rhode Island College (the College) initiatives and grant proposals that build research capacity, facilitate interdisciplinary and community collaboration, support institutional priorities, and diversify sources of external funding. Provide pre-award support and training to faculty and staff in proposal and budget development, preparation, negotiation, and submission. Lead and ensure College compliance with state and federal agency regulations.

Essential Duties

• Lead and support the promotion of campus-wide and community collaborations to identify and advance the College's institutional, research, and strategic initiatives.
• Serve, when needed, as the Vice Provost's liaison to initiatives and strategies with internal and external partners to advance institutional priorities and research capacity.
• Identify and cultivate funding opportunities, actively making connections with faculty/staff expertise and interest.
• Advance profile and knowledge of the College's research enterprise to internal and external audiences through online and print reports, publications and other means; report on research activities to College offices utilizing proposal/award information metrics.
• Direct all functions of the Office of Sponsored Programs.
• Serve as liaison to directors of non-academic programs or initiatives as directed by the Vice Provost.
• Work closely with the Rhode Island College Foundation to diversify revenue streams in support of identified initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate the development of interdisciplinary research initiatives and grant proposals at all stages; coordinate and align areas of College expertise and strength to create sustainable initiatives with long-term external funding.
• Direct and coordinate pre-award processes both within the College's Office of Sponsored Programs and between the office and other academic and administrative units whose functions interface with the creation, submission, negotiation, or management of institutional grants or contracts.
• Supervise the office's Grant and Contract Specialist in proposal development and submission, award set-up and notification, award modifications and extensions, and other pre-award activities.
• Ensure College compliance with all relevant federal and state regulations governing research activities.
• When necessary, develop and publish new college policies and procedures to address new compliance requirements.
• Serve as the authorized official on grants and contracts for external funding, representing the College to external agencies and sponsors.
• Assist pre- and post-award personnel in maintaining and improving grant management software.

Occasional Duties

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in building internal and external partnerships and facilitating research collaborations that advance institutional priorities and build research capacity.
• Successful record of public and/or private proposal development and submission.
• Extensive knowledge of standard pre- and post-award processes of sponsored programs and the software that supports their management.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with a variety of internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills.

Required Qualifications

Education:Bachelor's Degree.

Experience: Ten years of relevant experience with at least seven of those years in grant development and management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree with seven years of relevant experience with at least five of those years in grant development and management
• Grant development and management experience in higher education.

Does this position have Direct Reports?
Yes

Environmental Conditions

The employee is not exposed to known adverse environmental conditions.

Position Details

FLSA
Exempt

Salary Grade
15NC

Full Time / Part Time
Full-time

Proposed Starting Salary Range
$90,000-$110,000

Work Schedule

Full-Time
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Benefits

Full-time employees enjoy an array of benefits including:

• Health and Wellness - Medical, Dental & Vision
• Wellness Incentives and Rewards
• Paid time Off - Vacation, Sick & Holiday
• Retirement Benefits
• Disability and Insurance Benefits
• Education Benefits - Tuition waivers for RIC, CCRI & URI

For a complete listing, visit Employee Benefits.

Reports To (Title)
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Academic or Calendar Year
Calendar

Position Status
Continuing

End of Temporary or Limited Position

Collective Bargaining Unit
PSA

Posting Information

Number of Positions Available
1

Application Open Date
04/09/2026

Application Close Date

Special Instructions

Please be advised that the college is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have authorization to work in the US without the need for employer sponsorship.