The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) division supports the University community in their pursuit of research and the management of externally sponsored programs. ORSP is the key point of contact for faculty in sponsored research and other sponsored programs, including research conduct and compliance.

Position Summary

The Director of Sponsored Programs Administration is responsible for providing administrative leadership for the University’s external funding portfolio while partnering with the research community to obtain and negotiate awards, steward sponsored funds in accordance with regulatory requirements, provide technical expertise to the research community, and encourage continuous professional development of staff. Sponsored Programs Administration is responsible for all Pre-Award and Post-Award functions of external funding. The leader in this position will create an environment that ensures:

• An optimal balance of compliance with efficiency, which enables streamlined processes
• Open communication channels and high standards of customer service
• Flexibility to adapt to the changing research environment
• Defined roles and responsibilities both internally and across different units
• Effective delegation and oversight

Essential Functions

• Lead the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration, including all Pre-Award, Negotiations, Post-Award, Reporting and Audit Activities.
• Lead department staff in the resolution of complex pre- and post-award grant and contract issues, assuming direct responsibility when necessary.
• Review/negotiate complex agreements/execute contractual agreements for the University regarding Grants/Contracts/non-financial agreements (i.e., NDAs, MOUs, etc.)
• Review/execute subaward/consulting agreements related to sponsored awards and ensure these are in compliance/assessed for risk and monitored appropriately.
• Work closely with other units including departmental staff and leadership, central services, university advancement/foundation relations, compliance boards (IRB, IACUC, IBC) and Conflict of Interest to ensure coordination and the efficient use of institutional resources.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse groups of stakeholders including faculty, university administrators, and sponsor points of contact.
• Analyze the impact of regulatory changes on the institution and lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures in response to new regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the proposal submissions process, award receipt and negotiation, the review and set up of new awards in the university accounting system/eRA system, monitoring of expenses, close out of grants/contracts, accounts receivable and the preparation of financial reports to sponsoring agencies. Assure that all sponsored program accounting functions are conducted in accordance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policy. Oversee internal and external audits and the review and resolution of audit concerns related to Sponsored Programs.
• Develop and lead the Training and Education effort for the Office of Sponsored Programs. This should include formal and informal training--including mentorship--to ensure complete understanding of sponsor and institutional regulations, policies, procedures, and practices.
• Lead professional and administrative support staff with integrity and enthusiasm, providing an example of professionalism and customer service.
• Monitor relevant regulations and compliance requirements via attendance and discussion at relevant meetings and conferences, participation in relevant professional societies (e.g., NCURA, SRAI, COGR, IMURA, etc.)
• Serve as the national liaison for COGR, FDP, SAM.gov etc.
• Actively participate in the biennial conference planning/coordination to ensure a successful event.
• Gather data for institutional research reporting for the annual report and surveys.
• Serve as the prime audit contact (external and internal audits).
• Monitor electronic systems and suggest/develop improvements/proposal routing and tracking (InfoEd).
• Manage master calendar notifying stakeholders of key dates/announce upcoming deadlines on proposals that have limited submissions, etc.
• Engage in effective communication with program officers as needed.
• Advanced administrative review and final approval; final reviews and rectification of complex issues regarding accounts receivable and reconciliation.
• Responsible for approval queues – HR, payroll, A/P, A/R, Procurement, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong collaborative style and team orientation that models and encourages the value of customer service while driving consistency and building partnerships with constituents.
• Deep knowledge of research policies, federal and non-federal policies, regulations, and processes.
• Ability to actively build new and develop existing relationships with sponsors and federal agency officials on pre- and post-award issues.
• Ability to set vision, lead others, and work within a team environment to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills as well as verbal and written communication skills to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency, including executive leadership, faculty, support staff, grant/contract agencies, and vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to use a variety of software packages.
• Outstanding organizational skills to manage competing timetables and responsibilities. Ability to delegate and effectively supervise and plan for the timely and successful completion of short and long-term objectives.
• Commitment to continuous improvement in processes, systems, resources, and technology.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• At least 10 years of experience in Sponsored Program Administration.
• At least 5 years of Sponsored Programs leadership experience including team building skills.
• Broad range of experience across the award lifecycle (pre award to post award/account and financial management).
• Knowledge and practical application of accounting principles and federal/state regulations.
• Experience working with electronic research administration systems and government systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree
• Experience working with multiple external sources.
• Knowledge and practical application of OMB 2 CFR 200 and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience in leadership and policy development at an institutional level.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

In accordance with the University’s flexible work policy, this position is eligible to be considered for partial remote work. Further details regarding this plan will be determined with the hiring manager and are dependent on the division and team specific needs.

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) September 3, 2025.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 14.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $125,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.