Job Posting Details

The Sponsored Programs Manager in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) supports MSU faculty and staff across the full award lifecycle. The Sponsored Programs Manager has primary responsibility for managing all non-financial post-award activities on grants and other sponsored programs at MSU, and collaborates with other OSPR staff on pre-award and compliance-related functions and the development and implementation of training and professional development related to grants. This position reports to the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. 

Pre-Award: The Sponsored Programs Manager collaborates with principal investigators (PIs) and other OSPR staff to support the preparation and submission of grant applications and facilitate the acceptance and initiation of incoming awards.

Post-Award: The Sponsored Programs Manager has primary responsibility for all non-financial post-award activities for MSU’s portfolio of grants. This position works collaboratively with other staff in OSPR and the Business Office to provide seamless support to funded PIs for sponsored programs-related needs. Examples include:

·       Training grant personnel on managing and implementing awards

·       Coordinating with the business office on financial reports and documents

·       Reviewing PI purchase/expenditure requests and initiating grant-funded expenses

·       Assisting PIs with technical reports. On request, provides review of financial reports after completion by the Business Office

·       Maintaining complete and accurate records of all grants

·       Administering post-award aspects of MSU’s intramural grants

Training and Outreach: The Sponsored Programs Manager works with other OSPR staff to provide and/or facilitate access to training on research and sponsored program-related topics.

·       Managing the Faculty Resource Center

·       Planning and hosting OSPR events in coordination with the OSPR Director

·       Maintaining and updating OSPR’s website

Compliance: The Sponsored Programs Manager works with the OSPR Director to ensure compliance with a wide range of state and federal research and ethical compliance requirements. 

Pursuing professional growth and development: stays current on applicable state and federal rules and regulations as well as professional (research administration) publications and literature; participates in appropriate professional development.

Facilitating research and other sponsored program activities at MSU: Provides recommendations for navigating and using campus resources. Advocates for services on behalf of grant-active faculty and staff. Provides guidance on university procedures for a wide range of areas/topics. Serves as liaison between the PI(s) and other campus offices. Serves on relevant committees and task forces as needed. Assists the OSPR Director and other MSU offices with internal and external reporting related to sponsored programs.

Recordkeeping and Managing Accounts: Manages OSPR accounts in coordination with OSPR Director. Maintains accurate and complete records of expenditures and reconciles accounts regularly. Prepares and submits required reports on state-funded research expenditures

Supervising student assistants.

Sufficient dexterity, agility, and physical condition to perform routine office tasks.

Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in grant administration or related field. Experience in college/university research administration preferred. Experience using Banner or similar ERP systems preferred. 

Up-to-date knowledge of federal and state grant rules and regulations, including but not limited to those found in the Code of Federal Regulations; Ability to analyze and interpret federal and non-federal regulations; Familiarity with research compliance rules and regulations, including but not limited to those pertaining to the protection of human and animal subjects in research, conflicts of interest, responsible and ethical conduct of research, and research security.

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Certified or eligible to obtain certification as a research administrator (CRA) within 3 years. 

Skilled in project and budget management; Ability to work accurately with attention to detail; Ability to use and assist others with using multiple internal and external systems used in research administration; Ability to problem solve and independently address challenging inquiries in a cooperative, responsible, and people-centered manner; Must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel. Proficiency with Canva or similar design software preferred.

Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.

This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.