The University of Montana has a unique opportunity for a qualified individual to be the next Director in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP).

The successful candidate will direct all phases of the operation of the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, including internal operations, sponsored activity development, and grants and contracts administration. This individual also:

Defines roles and responsibilities of ORSP staff to maximize effectiveness and ensure a high level of service to faculty and staff. Hires and supervises all staff within the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, and oversees all pre- and post-award administration, fiscal management of restricted funds, and sub-recipient monitoring. Advises University of Montana officials and faculty on trends and policies affecting sponsored research funding. Develops short- and long-range projections of sponsored programs revenues to establish University goals. Ensures that goals and objectives for the office and University are communicated and achieved.

Consults with and advises the president and vice presidents in matters concerning sponsored activities as appropriate.Designs faculty development programs to enhance research and grant seeking skills and project fiscal administration skills. Develops federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation linkages to cultivate funding opportunities for faculty.

Provides leadership in facilitating and coordinating new faculty research initiatives, including developing project ideas, soliciting participation from faculty across departmental and school lines, and identifying potential cooperating agencies and organizations. Actively assists faculty in identifying and securing grant support to maximize sponsored research funding from governmental and private agencies. Actively assists faculty in the preparation, review, and follow-up of grant and contract proposals and electronic research administration.

Interprets, implements, and monitors federal, state, local, commercial, and private non-profit agency policies and regulations governing the management of grants and contracts. Serves as the University's representative to sponsoring agencies in matters relating to preparation, coordination, and supervision of sponsored activities, operating budgets, and research personnel management. Serves as the primary contact for audit issues and, when necessary, as a liaison to the UM Foundation to coordinate proposal submission.

Develops and implements policies and procedures related to the operation of the office, submission of proposals to sponsoring agencies, negotiation of awards, and the conduct of sponsored activities at The University of Montana.

Reviews, approves, and signs proposals on behalf of the University. Negotiates terms of grant awards and contracts, including facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, with sponsoring agencies. Represents The University of Montana to sponsoring agencies in areas related to the funding and administration of sponsored activities. Conducts contract/grant analysis and assists University administration in settlement of disputes and establishment of corrective policies and procedures.

Ensures compliance requirements with governmental rules and regulations regarding the use of human subjects and animals, scientific misconduct; and conflict of interest are met. Serves as an authorized institutional official (signatory) for matters related to proposal submission and award negotiation and acceptance.

Oversees electronic research administration initiatives and the development of contract and grant information management systems, including computerized pre- and post-award proposal database, network systems, and internal fiscal management systems. Prepares reports and other documents regarding sponsored activities as required by federal agencies and the University.

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in public administration, business, a research discipline, or other appropriate field, with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in research and sponsored activities a university setting or academic environment

Significant experience in a university research environment with extensive knowledge of multiple sponsors, grant and contract regulations, policies and procedures, guidelines, pertinent laws, and program funding policies.

Considerable knowledge of principles and practices of public and business administration and government accounting and budgeting practices.

Superior negotiation skills.

Demonstrated leadership ability in facilitating faculty and staff participation in sponsored activities.

Ability to analyze situations quickly and accurately and formulate effective courses of action.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with administrators, faculty, principal investigators, public officials, and sponsoring agency representatives.

Excellent communication and presentation skills. Position requires a high degree of independence, discretion, and professionalism in the performance of many complex and critical functions in a fast-paced environment.