Executive Director, Research and Sponsored Programs

This position may be eligible for Hybrid Work, working remotely for up to one day per week after the initial 90 days of employment.

Salary Range: $91,458/year or higher, commensurate with experience and/or education

JOB SUMMARY
The Executive Director, Research & Sponsored Programs provides oversight for all externally funded projects, grants, and contracts, ensuring that all pre and post-award activities are in compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional policies and regulations.

DUTIES

• Serves as the Authorized Organizational Representative for the university on all proposals and contracts for sponsored activities.
• Serves as an expert interpreting, explaining, and applying government regulations.
• Provides leadership and vision to faculty and staff involved in the identification, review, approval, negotiation, and administration of research, educational, and public service proposals, grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and sub-awards.
• Increases faculty and staff awareness of grant funding opportunities and assists them in the preparation of proposals and grant applications.
• Effectively utilizes the input and expertise of faculty and colleagues in developing a compelling case for external funding support.
• Oversees online proposal applications and electronic submissions.
• Completes agency forms, assurances, and certifications as required.
• Prepares and provides institutional statistics related to external funding.
• Prepares and maintains strategic quantitative and qualitative goals, including but not limited to number of funding opportunities identified, number of proposals submitted, and total amount awarded.
• Ensures accurate recording and maintenance of grant records and that all grant reports are submitted on a timely basis.
• Confirms/assists with any necessary financial and grant-related registration with government and other portals.
• Prepares and submits grant reports for the University and System administration.
• Ensures documents (proposals, budgets, and grant award letters) align with the University of Houston-Downtown’s policies, procedures, and strategic plan.
• Conducts stewardship of relationships with funders by managing relations with funding agency program officers, foundation representatives, faculty, staff, and University of Houston-Downtown’s administrators.
• Works with University Relations regarding the development of press releases and media announcements on grant awards and programs.
• Supports work of Advancement colleagues for Foundation research/sponsored program applications.

MARGINAL DUTIES

• Performs all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Reports: 

• Full-time employees

Delegation of Work:

• Regularly assigns work to subordinate(s)

Supervision Given:

• Has primary responsibility for conducting performance evaluations and making recommendations for hiring and dismissing employees

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Uniform Guidance
• Up-to-date knowledge of federal grants and contract regulations, and the associated trends, issues, and accepted practices
• Knowledge of various service rates and compensation levels

Skills:

• Interpersonal and communication skills to foster and maintain effective relationships with faculty, administration, and funders
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively interact with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community while working in a collaborative environment and promoting interdisciplinary efforts
• Ability to convene and lead multiple department representatives in preparing proposals and administering programs supported with state/federal grants
• Ability to interpret the Federal Code of Regulations
• Ability to navigate through an array of government portals
• Ability to prepare budgets and proposals

WORK LOCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• Individual has discretion in relation to walking, standing, etc., and has minimal exposure to physical risks
• Must have precise hand-eye coordination and the ability to identify and distinguish colors

EEO/AA

Required Education:

• Master's degree

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of related job experience, including experience in grant writing and research administration with increasing levels of responsibility

License/Certification:

• None required

About University of Houston Downtown

The second-largest university in Houston, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a comprehensive, four-year, urban university in the heart of downtown. Led by President Loren J. Blanchard, UHD is a community of diverse faculty, staff, students, and regional partners dedicated to nurturing talent, generating knowledge, and driving socioeconomic mobility for a just and sustainable future.  

Since opening its doors in 1974, UHD has grown in size, scope, and service, now offering 46 bachelor’s and 11 master’s degree programs and 17 fully online programs within its four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences & Technology.

UHD educates approximately 15,000 students annually. With more than 77% of UHD’s students coming directly from Harris County, UHD is not just a university in Houston, but Houston’s University and an Anchor Institution for the region.

UHD is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military-Friendly School. While the student population is largely Hispanic at 53% and African-American at 20%, more than 64 countries are represented. Furthermore, UHD has the most affordable tuition among four-year universities in Houston, and its graduates have the lowest student loan debt in the state. Importantly, 70% of UHD freshman students are the first in their families to attend college.

UHD is one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, which also includes the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Victoria.  Instructional Sites operated by UHD are University of Houston-Downtown Northwest, University of Houston-Downtown at Lone Star College-Kingwood, and University of Houston-Downtown at Lone Star College-Woodlands.

The University of Houston-Downtown is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. UHD is committed to equal opportunity and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, genetic information, religion, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, except where such distinction is required by law.