Closing Date:
07/15/2026
Type of Position:
Sponsored Program Administration

Workstudy Position:

No
Job Type:
Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No
Institution Name:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

Department:
Office of Sponsored Programs

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties:
The Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides operational leadership and oversight for the central sponsored programs administration unit at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, encompassing pre-award, research contracting, and post-award administration (including research accounting).

Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Administration (ORA), who holds overall responsibility for research administration lifecycle strategy and performance, this role is accountable for executing that strategy through effective operations, consistent processes, and high-quality service delivery across OSP units.

The Director ensures that day-to-day operations are aligned, efficient, and compliant, while working in close partnership with Campus Research Services and other stakeholders to deliver a coordinated, "faculty-first" support model for the university's research community.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution
• Translate institutional strategy into effective operational practices across OSP units.
• Ensure consistent, efficient, and compliant execution of sponsored programs processes.
• Align staffing, workflows, and service delivery with institutional priorities and research growth.
• Maintain strong partnership and coordination with the Director, Campus Research Services, to support enterprise-wide business processes and performance goals.

Functional Leadership (Pre-Award, Contracting, Post-Award)
• Provide direct leadership and support to the Director of Pre-Award, Director of Research Contracting, and Director of Post-Award units.
• Serve as a key resource and escalation point for unit directors and their staff, providing guidance on complex operational, compliance, and policy matters.
• Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and accountability for each unit leader.
• Ensure leaders effectively manage their respective operations in alignment with standardized processes and service expectations.
• Monitor operational performance across all units, including proposal timelines, contract cycle times, financial oversight effectiveness & accuracy, and compliance outcomes.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
• Partner with the Director, Campus Research Services and Director, Research Integrity and compliance to ensure that all sponsored programs activities comply with applicable federal, state, and sponsor regulations.
• Oversee implementation of regulatory requirements (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, NSF, NIH, DOE, etc.) through consistent operational practices.
• Provide guidance to unit directors on regulatory interpretation and compliance expectations.
• Ensure strong internal controls, documentation standards, and audit readiness across all functional areas.
• Identify and mitigate compliance risks across the sponsored programs lifecycle.

Faculty-Centered Service Delivery
• Partner closely with Campus Research Services (CRS), other ORA units, and college/department units to deliver a coordinated, seamless, "faculty-first" experience across the research lifecycle.
• Ensure OSP processes and services are transparent, responsive, and aligned with faculty needs.
• Support development of tools, guidance, and training that improve faculty engagement and administrative efficiency.

Policy & Risk Management
• Maintain clear, well-documented policies and procedures across all OSP functions.
• Identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks through strong internal controls and process discipline.

Process & Systems Optimization
• Responsible for developing and maintaining a strong partnership with CRS leadership and campus units to optimize business process workflows, system use, and service delivery.
• Promote standardization, automation, and data-informed decision-making across OSP units.
• Ensure alignment between research administration systems and institutional financial systems.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in research administration across pre-award, contracting, and post-award functions at an R1 University
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multiple functional units and leaders
• Strong working knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements
• Experience with research financial management and accounting principles

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in accounting, business, or public administration
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or equivalent certification
• Familiarity with electronic research administration and financial systems (e.g., Cayuse, Workday, InfoEd, or similar)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong operational leadership and execution skills
• Ability to drive accountability across multiple functions
• Deep understanding of sponsored programs lifecycle operations, including contracting and research accounting
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to compliance, service excellence, and continuous improvement

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status

Recruitment Contact Information:



All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Financial Credit Check, Sex Offender Registry

Constant Physical Activity:
N/A
Frequent Physical Activity:
N/A
Occasional Physical Activity:
N/A
Benefits Eligible:
Yes