Director of Research Administration - Sponsored Programs

Creighton University seeks a Director of Sponsored Programs Administration to lead pre-award and non-financial post-award activities in support of the University's research enterprise. This role ensures regulatory compliance, supports faculty success, and provides strategic leadership for sponsored research administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain sponsored research policies and procedures aligned with federal regulations and University requirements.
• Provide clear guidance and training on pre-award processes, submission requirements, deadlines, and compliance; develop workshops in collaboration with the Associate Vice Provost for Research & Scholarship.
• Oversee proposal review and submission across all University units, working directly with Principal Investigators to ensure compliant, competitive submissions through InfoEd and sponsor systems.
• Review and negotiate award terms and conditions with Principal Investigators, legal counsel, and sponsors; coordinate award setup, subawards, and ongoing non-financial compliance monitoring.
• Serve as the Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for administrative actions on sponsored awards, including scope changes, rebudgeting, and supplemental funding requests.
• Manage internal grant programs and serve as Finance & Compliance Administrator for the State of Nebraska Cancer & Smoking Disease Research Program that is granted to Creighton University.
• Supervise Sponsored Programs Administration staff, manage the department budget, and foster a high-performing, service-oriented team.
• Track and report proposal and award activity; respond to leadership and faculty data requests.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in a complex academic or research environment.
• Supervisory experience required.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of Uniform Guidance and sponsor regulations.
• Experience with federal grant systems (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA Commons/ASSIST, HRSA EHB, PAMS, G5/G6).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with InfoEd and Banner preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and external sponsors.
• Flexibility to work beyond standard business hours as needed.