Director, Office of Sponsored and Student Research - Valparaiso University

The Director of the Office of Sponsored and Student Research is a leader, collaborator, and central resource for faculty, senior administration, and staff seeking external funding for research, teaching, student service programs, and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Provost, the Director is a knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible professional able to work with various people and perform under significant time pressure and rapidly changing priorities. As a research administrator with broad-ranging responsibilities, the Director oversees three faculty who manage the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and student research programs on a part-time basis.

The salary range is $68,00.00 to $73,000.00 annually

Major Responsibilities:

• Grant/Fellowship/Contract Management Pre-Award:
• Submit 50+ proposals each year to more than 30 unique federal, state, and private funders.
• Guide and advise faculty and staff in seeking grant and fellowship funding, including prospect research and sharing, project shaping, writing/editing, budgeting, and application submission. Lead program design, writing, budgeting, and proposal preparation for select opportunities.
• Marshal information packets through the GPAF internal review process prior to proposal submission.
• Develop and teach group grant writing information sessions for the campus community. Provide an overview of grant writing in student classes when requested.
• Work with the Assistant Controller to ensure that budgets are prepared following University policy, general accounting standards, the Uniform Guidance, and funder requirements.
• Coordinate with the Advancement Office when needed.
• Maintain database of grant activity and prepare FY and trends reports. Willingness and ability to work outside of normal business hours to meet deadlines.
• Grant/Fellowship/Contract Management Post-Award:
• Create a Spending Plan/Request for Restricted Account form for each award.
• Coordinate contract review and execution with the Assistant Controller.
• Coordinate grant launch meetings with the Assistant Controller and PI/team to introduce PIs to the grant management process.
• Prepare progress reports for select opportunities and review PI reports as requested.
• Assist PIs/PDs and the Assistant Controller with requesting budget revisions, changes in PI, and extensions.
• Compliance:
• Coordinate training and keep compliance records with non-financial post-award grants management requirements such as conflict of interest, data sharing, and research ethics training.
• IRB:
• As the IRB Administrator, work with the IRB Chair to ensure the smooth functioning of the IRB and compliance with IRB regulations regarding the ethical treatment and protection of human research subjects. Participate as a nonvoting member in IRB discussions and prepare meeting agendas and minutes. Coordinate single IRB and data use agreements. Maintain federal IRB registrations and the internal application process as needed.
• IACUC:
• As the IACUC Administrator, work with the IACUC Chair to ensure the smooth functioning of the IACUC and compliance with IACUC regulations, assuring the ethical treatment and protection of animal research subjects. Support the submission of annual and semi-annual reports to regulatory agencies and participate in securing and maintaining appropriate facilities and processes.
• Student Research:
• Assist the Assistant Director in planning three student symposia annually, encouraging faculty to support student research and creative expression, and coordinating the summer research program on campus.
• General:
• Remain current on a range of rules, regulations, and trends within research administration and higher education. Develop and update university policies and procedures. Maintain and enhance the Sponsored Research website
• Serve as an ex officio member of the University’s Creative Work and Research Committee. Serve on other university committees as appropriate.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in business, management, leadership, general studies, or in a specific academic discipline
• Five years of experience in research administration, grant management, and research ethics
• Grant writing and administration experience in a higher education setting
• Familiarity with federal, state, and private foundation funder programs and guidelines
• Experience preparing budgets and familiarity with common accounting practices
• Working knowledge of various principles, rules, and regulations, including the Uniform Guidance, Belmont Report/OHRP, and OLAW
• Familiarity with federal grant submission and administration systems (research.gov, grants.gov, HRSA EHB, PAMS, eRACommons/ASSIST, G5/G6, etc.)
• Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as good listening skills
• Familiarity with research ethics and IRB and/or IACUC principles and processes
• Project management experience and strong time management abilities
• Commitment to supporting student research
• Experience in program and event planning

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with enough attention to detail to follow through accurately and completely
• Ability to critically assess situations, maintain attention to detail, solve problems/seek answers, work efficiently under stress, meet deadlines, and anticipate/adapt to frequently changing priorities
• Ability to cope with absolute and specific funder requirements within a broader context of ambiguity, inconsistency, and uncertainty
• Entrepreneurial/”can do” attitude and ability to encourage others while being realistic about risks and likelihood of success
• Facility adapting to others’ academic training, administrative perspectives, and thought processes
• Work both independently and collaboratively
• Commitment to DEI and ability to work with a wide variety of people
• Patience to deal with administrivia and others’ anxiety
• Self-motivated to pursue professional development opportunities and stay current with trends and developments in research administration, research ethics, higher education, and philanthropy
• Timely responsiveness to emails and meeting requests, assistance with preparing budgets, and reviewing draft narratives

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• List of 2 professional references

• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Dr. Kevin Goebbert, Assistant Provost

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana

Required Skills


Required Experience