Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Office and Contracts & Grants (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $142,500 - $171,300.

This position offers a lot of work flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely as business needs allow.

The initial applicant review will take place on or around August 4th, 2025.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

Provides vision and leadership on all matters related to research administration. Participates with other senior managers in making long-term strategic plans and objectives concerning research administration that will impact campus research. Establishes operational objectives and work plans, and delegates assignments to subordinate staff. Involved in developing, modifying, and executing organization policies that affect the contracts and grants office, ensuring the organization's compliance with federal, state, and university regulations pertaining to research administration. Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals result in additional costs and/or personnel. Has the delegation of authority to request and accept extramural funding on behalf of the University. Negotiates and directs agreements with other institutions, federal, state, local, and foreign governmental entities, charitable foundations, and contracts in support of outreach and public service missions. Functions as a university liaison with senior administrators, faculty members, corporations, funding sources, and regulatory agencies. Represents campus and Office of the President on sponsored projects, contracts & grants, cost regulation, and other key issues. Conducts highest-level analysis on changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding external funding and research compliance. Works collaboratively and strategically with other campus administrative offices, Schools, and Organize Research Units (ORUs) to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of extramural funding management across a diverse range of organizational research activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the establishment of overall strategy, direction, goals, and objectives of Research Administration; direct the operation to support the strategy and structure of the Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) and Contract and Grants Administration (CGA) teams. Provide supervision and guidance to subordinates in developing and implementing effective and efficient processes and procedures for proposal development and grant management. Work collaboratively with the Research Compliance and Integrity office to ensure campus research compliance with sponsor regulations and policies. Conduct highest-level analysis on changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding external funding management and research compliance. Functions as the organization's expert for policies and procedures related to sponsored projects, issues, and concerns. Assess strategic risks of organizational research activities, policies, and procedures to identify areas of highest risk and needed controls. Makes independent decisions regarding acceptance of projects by the organization.

1. Provide supervision and guidance to subordinates in research agreement negotiations to substantiate budget requests and to secure terms and conditions. Make independent decisions regarding acceptance of awards on behalf of the campus. Coordinate with the Office of Technology Innovation & Industry Relations for industry research agreements and assistance with negotiations. Coordinate with Development and Alumni Relations on differentiating gifts vs. grants.
2. Serve as a key advisor to ORED and campus leadership in making long-term strategic decisions concerning research administration that will impact the campus; Lead assessment of gaps, inefficiencies, and inconsistencies in organizational systems and collaborate on developing common compliance systems for all research community members. Provide critical advice and assistance in decision-making related to contracts and grants, and the organizational structure of Research Administration on campus. Develop organization positions and policies related to grant and contract administration in response to national and system-wide concerns. Serves as a research administration resource within and external to the organization.
3. Lead a university-wide network providing high-quality support for all research proposals and awards. Foster ongoing collaboration and communication with SPO, CGA, and stakeholders, including administrators, faculty, staff, students, sponsors, governmental agencies, and other collaborators. Build and maintain positive relationships with, and collaboratively interact with internal and external customers and the University's partner offices.
4. Provide supervision and guidance in designing and developing training/educational programs to support the professional development needs of research administrators and the research community at large. Develop and implement regular educational programs for the research community regarding SPO and CGA services and relevant research administration topics. Oversee, through subordinates, internal programs, or initiatives to support training and professional development for staff.
5. Functions as the organization's expert for policies and procedures related to issues and concerns of sponsored projects. Oversees analysis and policy development for contracts and grants issues and processes.
6. Represents the organization on sponsored projects, cost, regulation, and other key issues. Direct activities intended to highlight the organization's research activities.
7. Special projects as assigned.

*LI-RM1

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields, or equivalent experience / training; and/or
• Advanced degree from an accredited university in Science, Business Law, Management, or other related fields (preferred); and
• Six (6) years of directly related progressively responsible experience working with federal, state, and other contracts and grants area in a supervisory or management role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience as outlined (required).
• Advanced knowledge of the organization's operational, personnel, and financial transactions and financial systems related to administration of contracts and grants.
• Thorough knowledge of finance, accounting, business and systems operations and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong knowledge of industry best practices. Advanced ability to implement and manage broad-based grant funding best practices and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across the organization at all levels.
• Sophisticated service orientation, strong management skills, leadership skills, sound judgment and decision-making, critical thinking, and creative problem solving.
• Strong skills using common desktop / web applications; understanding of research enterprise databases.
• Strong and effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced ability to develop grant writing skills / development programs.
• CRA, CPRA, CFRA or other related certification. Preferred
• Working Conditions: Eexperience exercising the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information, and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/