Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs, OVPR

Carnegie Mellon University is dedicated to creating and disseminating knowledge through research. The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) contributes directly to this mission by providing comprehensive support to faculty and staff in the administration of externally sponsored projects and research. OSP's primary functions include proposal submission, agreement review, negotiation, and acceptance and award distributions.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) resides within the Office of the Vice President for Research and, along with the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance (ORIC), and the Office of Research Systems and Operations (ORSO), comprises CMU’s central Research Operations functions.

We are searching for an Executive Director of OSP. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Research Operations. The Executive Director, OSP is a senior administrative officer at CMU who promotes and supports sponsored programs across the University. The Executive Director, OSP has signature authority for agreements related to sponsored projects at the university and will be a representative of CMU to government, industry, and foundation sponsors.

The Executive Director, OSP is accountable for the development, management, and leadership of the Office of Sponsored Programs, a multi- team and operating structure that provides comprehensive support to faculty and staff in the administration of externally sponsored research while ensuring efficient and effective delivery of services in an environment of continuous improvement.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Lead, train, and manage staff (~30 staff) in the Office of Sponsored programs who are responsible for the essential functions of the Office, such as research proposal preparation and review, research and education agreement negotiation, and award processing.
• Develop and communicate appropriate metrics that enable the monitoring and adjustment of workload across the organization and the flow of work through the organization, which will be regularly reviewed by and reported to the AVP for Research Operations and the Associate Deans for Research in CMU’s schools and colleges.
• Participate in the negotiation/navigation of complex contractual and compliance issues that arise from sponsored programs and sponsored program proposals and agreements.
• In partnership with relevant peers and stakeholders within the central administration and across campus, develop and improve OSP processes and systems that support the university in the efficient and effective submission of proposals and execution and processing of contractual agreements.
• Monitor relevant regulations and compliance requirements via attendance and presentation at relevant meetings and conferences, participation in relevant professional societies (e.g. NCURA, COGR, UIDP etc.)

Flexibility, excellence, and expertise are vital qualities within the Research Operations . Inclusion, collaboration, empathy, and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. We are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Strong leadership, management, and team building skills
• Strong collaboration and ability to work with and partner with stakeholders across the university
• Strong communication skills
• Familiarity with continuous process improvement
• Proven ability to negotiate contracts effectively

Qualifications:

• Masters degree
• At least five years of relevant work experience
• Experience leading a team
• Certified Research Administration preferred
• Or a combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge

Requirements:

• Successful background check

Are you interested in this exciting opportunity?! Apply today!

CMU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements. The most up-to-date information on CMU's COVID-19 mitigation requirements can be found here: Minimum Requirements to Return to Campus .

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Research Administration

Position Type

Staff – Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

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