About This Role
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Closing Date:
05/31/2026TYPE OF POSITION:
Sponsored Program Administration
Workstudy Position:
NoJOB TYPE:
Regular
WORK SHIFT:
Sponsorship Available:
NoINSTITUTION NAME:
University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFounded 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.
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 nation’s 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.
If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.
For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.
DEPARTMENT:
Office of Sponsored Programs
Department's Website:
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 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:
- Bachelor’s 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:
Salary Information:
Commensurate with education and experience
Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), ResumeOptional Documents:
Proof of Veteran Status
Recruitment Contact Information:
Crystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu
All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://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 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 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/AFREQUENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
N/AOCCASIONAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
N/ABENEFITS ELIGIBLE:
Yes