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Texas State University

Director, Sponsored Programs

🇺🇸 San Marcos, TX

🕑 Full-Time

💰 $8,750 - $9,583 per Month

💻 Other

🗓️ October 14th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Texas State University is hiring a Director of Sponsored Programs to lead and oversee all pre-award research administration activities. The Director manages the pre-award team, ensures compliance and efficient support for faculty and staff, acts as a liaison with external sponsors, and contributes to strategic planning and policy development in research administration.

Highlights
  • Provide strategic leadership and implement policies for pre-award research administration.
  • Supervise staff including assistant directors and coordinators, offering training and development.
  • Analyze proposal and award data; prepare reports and oversee database and electronic research administration management.
  • Develop budgets and advise on financial and operational needs.
  • Manage sponsor relations and serve as point of escalation for issue resolution.
  • Serve as Authorized Organizational Representative for Texas State in sponsor communications and submissions.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; minimum 8 years research administration experience with at least 3 years in leadership roles.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and private sponsor regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG, NIH Grants Policy Statement).
  • Advanced proficiency with research administration software such as Kuali, Cayuse, Huron, InfoEd, or equivalent, as well as Microsoft Office and sponsor portals.
  • Monthly salary range is $8,750 to $9,583.34; the position is full-time and permanent within the Sponsored Programs department.

Director, Sponsored Programs Full Description

Director, Sponsored Programs
 Posting Information 
Posting Number  | 2026088
Posting/Functional Title  | Director, Sponsored Programs
University Pay Plan Title  | Dir, Sponsored Programs
Location  | San Marcos
Department  | Sponsored Programs
Recruitment Type  | Open Recruiting
Job Type  | Full-Time
Funding Source  | Permanent
Monthly Salary  | $8,750-$9,583.34
Job Category  | Exempt

Required Qualifications: Applicants must specifically address how they meet these required qualifications to meet the requirements of the position.  | Bachelor’s degree. 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, InfoEd, or equivalent), Microsoft Office Suite, and sponsor submission portals.

Preferred Qualifications  | 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.

Job Description  | 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.

Job Duties  | 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.
Additional Information to Applicants  |
Job Open Date  | 10/13/2025
Job Close Date (posting closes at midnight)  | 11/07/2025
Open Until Filled  | Yes
Normal Work Days  | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Normal Work Hours Start  | 8:00AM
Normal Work Hours End  | 5:00PM
Posting Notices  |
Legal and Required Notices  | 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.
Why Choose Texas State University?  | Join the Texas State Bobcat team and experience a career that offers more than just a job—it’s a path to a brighter future. As a Texas State employee, you’ll enjoy:

Exceptional Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance with 100% premium coverage for employees and 50% for dependents, starting on your first day.
Generous Time Off: Enjoy vacation, holidays, sick leave, and more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wellness and Balance: Access a FREE wellness program, plus mother and family-friendly resources to support your personal well-being.
Professional Growth: Explore a wide range of training, development courses, certifications, and educational support programs.
Welcoming Campus: Become part of a vibrant Bobcat community with numerous social and professional networks. Tuition Benefits: Take advantage of tuition support for yourself and for your dependent children, making higher education more accessible for your family.
Retirement Security: Secure your future with TRS pension, retirement plans, and voluntary savings options with strong employer contributions.

At Texas State University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a valued member of a thriving and beautiful campus community. Start your journey with us today. https://www.hr.txst.edu/benefits.html
Quick Link  | https://jobs.hr.txstate.edu/postings/54565
Applicant Document
Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References
Optional Documents
  1. DD 214/DD1300
  2. Veteran's Preference 
  3. Licensure
  4. Certifications
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).