Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
 University of Arkansas | |
 United States, Arkansas, Fayetteville | |
| 346 North West Avenue (Show on map) | |
 May 08, 2026 | |
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Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students." University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Student Jobs at UAF." All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date: 05/31/2026 Type of Position:Sponsored Program AdministrationWorkstudy Position: Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's 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. Department's Website: 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:
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Additional Information: Salary Information: Required Documents to Apply: Optional Documents: Recruitment Contact Information: All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://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 RegistryThe 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 University's 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 | |