Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

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Closing Date:

05/31/2026

Type of Position:

Sponsored Program AdministrationNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas Fayetteville

Founded in 1871 the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nations top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills fostering a welcoming climate and nurturing creativity discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nations strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health dental life and disability insurance tuition waivers for employees and their families 12 official holidays immediate leave accrual and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

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

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Department:

Office of Sponsored Programs

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 universitys 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:

• Bachelors 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:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application List of three Professional References (name email business title) ResumeProof of Veteran StatusCrystal Ellis Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

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

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions there may also be a financial (credit) background check a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract develop and retain high quality faculty staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law including age race color national origin disability religion protected veteran status military service genetic information sex sexual preference or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex may be sent to the Universitys Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes