Title: Director of Office of Sponsored Research & Programs

State Role Title: Administrative - Lecturer

Hiring Range: Commensurate with education and experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University

Agency Website: vsu.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

 "Greater Happens Here"

The Director of the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the University’s sponsored research enterprise. The Director is responsible for stewardship of the university’s sponsored programs portfolio, ensuring effective sponsored program administration, maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, and representing the University through service and special assignments. The role is central to strengthening the University’s research culture, infrastructure, and external funding portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsored Program Administration and Research Development –
• Provides leadership and direction for sponsored program administration to ensure the efficient and effective operation of research and scholarship programs and services offered by and for the University.
• Supports and advances the development of a strong and sustainable research culture across the campus.
• Assists faculty and administrative/professional staff in grant-seeking efforts by educating stakeholders on funding opportunities, sponsor requirements, and proposal development processes.
• Oversees pre-award and post-award sponsored program functions, including proposal submission, award acceptance, and ongoing project administration.
• Provides leadership and supervision for the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs staff, including workflow coordination and operational effectiveness.
• Works to enhance the visibility, success, and impact of University research activities and programs through outreach, reporting, and collaboration with internal and external partners.

Research Policy and Compliance
• Leads and supports research policy development related to sponsored program administration, research compliance, research safety, and shared research facilities.
• Serves as the institutional authority on sponsored research regulations and compliance requirements, including federal, state, and sponsor-specific guidelines.
• Works collaboratively with Finance staff, academic units, administrative departments, and granting agencies to ensure compliance with all required fiscal, administrative, and regulatory guidelines.
• Oversees compliance monitoring, reporting, and audit readiness activities related to sponsored research and sponsored programs.

Special Projects and Assignments / Service
• Performs service and special assignments as a representative of the University to institutional, regional, state, national, and international groups.
• Participates in committee work, task forces, and administrative assignments as directed by the Chief Research Officer or designee.
• Represents the University in professional organizations and external initiatives related to sponsored research, grants administration, and research development.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

At least 5 years of experience in research administration, financial management, or grant accounting.

Demonstrated experience in budget preparation and proposal submission processes.

Proficiency with grant management systems, particularly Cayuse and Banner.

Knowledge of federal grant regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).

Familiarity with state and federal agency guidelines including NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders.

*Virginia State University requires that faculty be appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. VSU demonstrates compliance with its Faculty Credentialing Policy #2301 for all applicable education, experience, licensure and certification requirements in the selection and hiring of its faculty.

Additional Considerations

Master’s Degree or above preferred.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) preferred.

Experience working in a university or public research institution preferred.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You must include a current resume/c.v. and a letter of interest in your application. Three (3) letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be required before hire. (faculty only)

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.

Contact Information

Name: Boatemaa Nyarko-Brentuo

Phone: 804-524-5083

Email: bnyarko-brentuo@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.