Director, Programs

Job Opportunities at Texas State University

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.

• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, with at least 3 years in a leadership, supervisory or management role.
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and private sponsor regulations and policies (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG , NIH Grants Policy Statement).
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff supervision, training, and team development.
• Experience managing complex proposal submissions and interpreting sponsor requirements.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with research administration systems (e.g., Kuali, Cayuse, Huron, Info Ed, or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, and sponsor submission portals.

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, higher education, or a related field.
• Certification in research administration (CRA, CPRA, CFRA, or equivalent) from the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC).
• Experience developing budgets and overseeing unit-level fiscal planning.
• Prior experience serving as an Authorized Organizational Representative.
• Demonstrated ability to foster faculty engagement, provide exceptional customer service, and implement process improvements.
• Strong record of professional development, conference participation, and knowledge of emerging trends in research administration.

The Director of Sponsored Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight of all pre-award research administration activities at Texas State University. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Research (AVPR), this position manages the pre-award team, ensuring efficient, compliant, and customer-focused support for faculty and staff across the university. The Director serves as a key liaison between Texas State and external sponsors, provides training and guidance, and contributes to strategic planning, policy development, and continuous improvement of research administration services and processes.

• Strategic Leadership & Policy Implementation (20%)
  Implements strategic goals, policies, and procedures. Ensures consistent interpretation and application of sponsor and institutional requirements. Liaises with internal and external partners to fulfill strategic goals. Oversees regulatory compliance for proposal submissions.
• Supervision & Training (20%)
  Supervises staff, including assistant directors and coordinators. Provides professional development opportunities and delivers training to faculty and staff.
• Reporting, Data Analysis & Performance Metrics (20%)
  Gathers, analyzes, and interprets proposal and award data to monitor trends, assess performance, and prepare reports for AVPR, university leadership, and external audiences. Partners with Research IT on training, management, and upkeep of databases and ERAs for proposals submissions and awards. Oversees review, approval, and routing process for proposals and awards. Prepares compliance reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Budget Planning & Resource Allocation (10%)
  Develops unit-level budget requests and resource plans. Advises AVPR on financial, staffing, and operational needs.
• Sponsor Relations & Escalation (10%)
  Responds to sponsor inquiries, coordinates proposal submissions, and serves with AVPR as a point of escalation for problem resolution.
• Authorized Organizational Representative (10%)
  Serves as an official Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR), ensuring Texas State is appropriately represented in sponsor communications and submissions.
• Special Projects & Other Duties (10%)
  Leads or participates in special projects, cross-unit initiatives, and process improvements as assigned.

Job Open Date

10/13/2025

Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)

Open Until Filled Yes

Normal Work Days

Normal Work Hours Start 8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End 5:00PM

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and…