POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Director of Research Administration
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 1069
GRADE 46
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Director of Research Administration supports University efforts to attract external funding, particularly government grant funding, by being aware of and communicating funding opportunities to faculty, working with faculty and staff to develop competitive proposals, and working closely with academic administrators to identify external funding opportunities. This position helps implement the University’s research strategy through outreach efforts, including developing and conducting training programs in grant preparation for faculty. This role ensures that University-based research, education, and service activities are planned and conducted in accordance with federal and state regulations. The Director of Research Administration participates in collaborative relationships with other universities and economic development organizations to promote increased funding for research and training from which Missouri State University might benefit.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: A minimum of five years of experience working in a university research or related environment is required. Work experience, including up to two years of administrative or supervisory experience is preferred.
Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations related to compliance for grants and contracts is required. The ability to lead a research administration office, establish strategic priorities, and advocate effectively for internal and external support of research, scholarship and creative activity to advance the mission of the University is required. Competency in the use of Microsoft Office software, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are required. Competency in computer programs related to electronic research administration, classroom-based and distance training, and report generation is preferred.
Other: This position is designated “sensitive” as defined by university policy. This position may include job duties, responsibilities, or activities that are subject to export control regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides service to the faculty by facilitating their efforts to pursue scholarly activities, professional development, creative endeavors, training programs, equipment acquisition, and community service through the acquisition of extramural funding.2. Promotes externally sponsored instructional, research and public service programs by disseminating information on funding sources to faculty.
3. Provides pre-award administrative assistance to faculty applying to external agencies for project funding by reviewing proposals, assisting in the development of proposal budgets, critiquing proposals, ensuring that required certifications and institutional assurances and endorsements are prepared for signature by an authorized institutional representative, obtaining the approval of appropriate University administrators, and providing all pertinent information, as required, to the sponsor.
4. Develops and updates, for review by institutional officials, policies and procedures to assure that University activities are in compliance with governmental regulations related to external funding.
5. Evaluates adherence to university, sponsor, federal, and state laws, regulations, and policies governing funded projects by reviewing all proposals, contracts and other agreements submitted to external agencies by faculty and staff.
6. Assists faculty in locating potential funding opportunities by researching publications and electronic databases and disseminating information on funding sources to faculty and staff.
7. Assists in coordination of post-award processes by working with university administration, Financial Services, faculty, staff and funding agencies.
8. Serves on the University’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee and the Federally Mandated Reporting/Disclosure Committee.
9. Leads the Office of Research Administration, supervising administrative and budgetary functions, and directing the team’s support for MSU faculty, academic and administrative units seeking external funding for research, teaching and service activities.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, attending training and/or courses as assigned by the Vice President for Community and Global Partnerships.
11. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Research Administration by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Director of Research Administration exercises supervision of full-time professional and administrative staff and graduate assistants.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2025