Director, Grants & Contracts - Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development - UTK

The Director of Grants and Contracts has management responsibility for the University of Tennessee’s negotiation and execution of grant and contract functions. Responsibilities include directing staff that are responsible for advising and assisting faculty and other researchers in the negotiating and administering of contracts and grants with external agencies, and negotiating and administering subcontracts and sub-grants with other agencies. The Director of Grants and Contracts will report to the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Administration (SAVCRA) and be part of the senior leadership team for the Division of Research Administration.

This position will stay abreast of policies and procedures pertaining to research administration and ensure that information is provided to University faculty, staff, and administrators. The incumbent will play a leadership role both within the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development within the university community, and nationally; particularly through organizations such as National Council of University Research Administrators, Society of Research Administrators International, Council on Governmental Relations, and the Federal Demonstration Partnership.

Leadership of the Award Area within the Division of Research Administration

Provide overall direction and management of the Award group to provide maximum customer service to the faculty, staff, and students engaged in research, training, and other sponsored activities and increase the overall research portfolio. Oversees hiring, promotions, and terminations; and makes salary recommendations for staff. Assign or approve the assignment of work functions and analyze the work structure. Provide staff with the proper tools to manage their workload. Manage Award human resource activity, providing motivation and direction as well as opportunities for professional growth. Conduct regular staff meetings to provide leadership and discuss goals, activities, and new initiatives. Conduct one-on-one meetings with staff as needed; conduct annual evaluations to reassess and align individual goals with overall goals of the Division of Research Administration. Develop and conduct training for Award staff and the research community. Ensure that all critical information, assistance and advice to faculty, researchers, and staff with award administration actions are being provided by the staff members. Ensure that the best customer service is being provided to all internal and external customers of the Division of Research Administration. Consistently review internal processes and operating procedures for award responsibilities to determine when changes are needed.

Interpretation of Laws, Regulations and Policies

Informs, advises, and collaborates with the SAVCRA, other UT leadership, external business partners, and state and federal agency representatives to establish and oversee UT research requirements, ensuring that they are aligned with federal and state laws, regulations, and mandates. Assesses needs and develops policies and procedures to ensure and protect the best interests of the university. Develops plans for communicating policies and procedures and takes new policies and revisions to appropriate advisory groups in order to ensure the research community’s buy-in and ownership. The Director of Grants and Contracts will facilitate research by maintaining a balance between regulatory aspects of research compliance and service provided to faculty, staff, and students.

Review and Approve Grants and Contracts

Has delegated authority by the University to negotiate and accept sponsored contracts and grants. Approve and sign all related documents, such as representations and certifications, exceptions to proposed contractual clauses, as well as post award actions that have been delegated to the University by many federal sponsors. Initiate, review, and approve agreements with external partners and agencies. Monitor agreement renewals and contract modifications. Ensure that all contracts are being reviewed on a timely manner; that contract terms and conditions are reviewed and accepted in accordance with University rules and regulations; ascertain that any Intellectual Property provisions are submitted to UTRF for review and approval.

Represent Division of Research Administration and the University

This position will represent the University and take a leadership role in national and international organizations such as, the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), the Society for Research Administrators (SRA), the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP), etc. Work with other University offices to streamline processes that affect Award activities. Work with other UT System campus research offices on common policies, procedures, practices, and Electronic Research Administrations System development.

Other Duties

Perform other duties as needed to achieve the goals and expectations of the SAVCRA and research community.

Required Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s Degree

Experience : 10 years of extensive experience working in an office of sponsored programs administration in an academic, research institute, foundation, or national laboratory environment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Detailed knowledge and comprehension of pre- and post-award sponsored programs administration and experience with grant and contract policies of major federal, state, and private sponsors and knowledge of federal regulations
• Ability and proficiency in using sponsor-specific online systems such as Fastlane, Grants.gov, Research.gov, NSPIRES, etc.
• Ability and experience in negotiating and administering various types of contracts, awards, grants, and other types of agreements
• Ability and experience in contracting and use of master research agreements with industry
• Ability to motivate others and promote teamwork
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to multitask in a fast paced working environment
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, manage several complex projects simultaneously, and meet time sensitive deadlines
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others at various levels and disciplines, both within and outside the University

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Education : Master’s Degree

Experience : 10 years of extensive experience working in an office of sponsored programs administration in an academic, research institute, foundation, or national laboratory environment is preferred. Preference will also given to individuals with certification as a research administrator (CRA).

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of and working familiarity with DOE National Labs
• Knowledge of and experience working in an academic institution with preference given to experience working in a Central Sponsored Programs office
• Skill and experience in conducting training workshops

Work Location

Location: Knoxville, TN

• Onsite, Hybrid, or Remote – Hybrid

Compensation and Benefits

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials.

• Resume
• Cover Letter