Assistant Director - Pre-Award

Position Title:

Assistant Director - Pre-Award

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supervising and/or leading individuals in a team-based environment.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
Experience applying the concepts embodied in the Code of Federal regulations including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
Experience that demonstrates knowledge of research administration software systems and fund/grant accounting principles and practices.
Experience with budget preparation and review of sponsored project proposals.
Experience creating and delivering training presentations and materials.
General knowledge of research compliance requirements including human/animal subjects, conflict of interest, export controls and foreign influence.

Job Description:

Are you seeking a leadership role where you can make a significant impact across an institution while engaging in a variety of tasks? Do you thrive in a collaborative environment that allows you to build strong relationships throughout the organization?

If so, the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (OSPA) at Iowa State University is currently seeking applicants for an Assistant Director Research Administration for our Pre-Award Team!

The Office of Sponsored Programs Administration promotes and facilitates the research, education, and outreach missions of Iowa State University by supporting and administering research and sponsored programs. OSPA is the central point of coordination for research and sponsored programs and the University’s authorized representative for grants, contracts and other agreements from external sponsors. The OSPA Pre-Award Team facilitates research and other sponsored programs by assisting in proposal development, reviewing and endorsing proposals, interpreting sponsor rules and proposal guidelines, and providing pre-award research administration services. The goal of OSPA is to deliver high quality services in an efficient and professional manner in compliance with sponsor rules and regulations.

What You'll Do:

• Supervise and manage the OSPA Pre-Award Team while providing leadership, training, and consistency for all OSPA pre-award services.

• Oversee and develop internal procedures, guidance, and mechanisms to ensure the appropriate, timely and consistent review of proposals and proposal budgets for external funding and other pre-award functions.

• Advise stakeholders including OSPA colleagues, faculty, departments, colleges, and sponsors on all matters relating to the successful and timely submission of proposals for sponsored projects.

• Review, authorize and submit proposals and other sponsored project applications for external support of research, education, extension, and other university activities.

• Consult federal agencies with questions and issues relating to proposal submissions and budgets.

• Along with OSPA Director, develop and implement institutional policies and procedures related to pre-award functions in sponsored programs administration in conjunction with other central administration offices as necessary.

• Interpret and understand federal regulations including 2 CFR 200, specific federal agency requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and various other sponsor rules and regulations to ensure compliance and recognize potential issues.

• Develop content and implement a training agenda for pre-award training courses in a variety of formats on multiple topics related to sponsored project administration, electronic proposal systems and other external funding.

• Provide primary oversight to ensure continued access for external electronic proposal submission portals.

• Oversee ISU pre-award electronic research administration systems used to record institutional proposal submissions and other pre-award sponsored program activities.

The successful candidate for this position will enjoy working in fast-paced environment. This individual will also have the capability to oversee and guide a talented team of professionals.

The successful candidate has the ability to work on-site in Ames, Iowa if they prefer.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Level Guidelines
• Aware of key annual objectives and goals of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives and goals of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS810

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

March 11, 2025

Posting Close Date:

March 24, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16579