Assistant Director, JHU Research Administration (Research Administration and Sponsored Programs)

We are seeking an Assistant Director, JHU Research Administration who will serve in a leadership role within Johns Hopkins Research Administration and Sponsored Programs (RASP), supporting the Associate Vice Provost and Directors in the oversight, direction, training, and daily management of grants and/or contracts associates and senior specialists. The AD is responsible for monitoring workflow, supporting operational effectiveness, resolving complex issues, and promoting consistent, high-quality research administration services across the University. This role also contributes to process improvement initiatives, staff development, policy implementation, and cross-functional collaboration with central offices and departments.

The Assistant Director independently reviews, negotiates, and signs grant and contract proposals, awards, and related documents within delegated authority to ensure compliance with university policy, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations. The incumbent serves as a resource to faculty and staff on sponsored projects administration, negotiates favorable terms and conditions with domestic and foreign sponsors, assists with issue resolution, and serves as a liaison to funding agencies and internal stakeholders. The AD also supports the development of policies, procedures, training materials, and standard practices related to sponsored research administration.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Serving in a leadership capacity, the Assistant Director shall continuously seek opportunities to support faculty in managing their sponsored projects. 

• Acting as office liaison to ensure effective performance and integration of the office regarding the University's award compliance, information technology, central technology transfer, and post-award budget offices.
• Monitoring team workload and aiding in triage and daily work checks.
• Providing problem resolution with respect to grant and contract proposals and awards.
• Serving as a resource for sponsored projects questions, database access, and reviews, including internal systems design and workflow.
• Serving in the capacity of the Director of Grants as required.
• Regularly supervises a minimum of 2 direct reports which includes input on hiring, firing, skills development, firing and oversight of activities.

In partnership with RASP's Director, the Assistant Director will be responsible for

• Managing and overseeing continuous quality improvements in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards for RASP, including data collection, quality analysis, performance metrics tracking, and development and dissemination of quality control measures and standard operating procedures.
• Ensuring that effective ongoing training programs are in place for all key positions and processes supporting research administration across the University.
• Communicating with faculty and staff to provide instruction, assistance, and advice on grant application preparation and administration, to request corrections, and to resolve discrepancies.
• Negotiating favorable grant and contract terms and conditions with domestic and foreign sponsors, drafting replacement language where needed, and serving as a liaison to funding agencies for problem resolution and other post-award matters.
• Remaining informed about events, regulations, and changes that affect sponsored projects, interpreting guidelines, and applying them to specific applications, awards, and issues.

Additional

• The Assistant Director will assist faculty and staff with access and use of grant-related electronic submission platforms and databases, including Fibi, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons.
• The incumbent will conduct specialized training courses for departments as needed and assist the Director of Grants with training, direction, and management of the Grants Team.
• These responsibilities include assisting with daily questions, workload assignments, and training, as well as consistent communication with departments and other central offices.
• This role also includes elevating customer service and collaborating with RASP Assistant Directors for process improvement and overall office performance.

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Five years of progressively responsible directly related experience.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to handle ambiguity and exercise judgment.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and online workflow systems.
• Work experience should demonstrate the ability to conceptualize how to find solutions and reach consensus with the ability to complete complex tasks efficiently.
• Must be detail-oriented, well-organized, and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously while operating under deadlines.
• Experience with SAP, Fibi, Power BI, and Lean Six Sigma is a plus.
• Must have specialized experience in grant administration, contracts and grants administration, a working knowledge of the Uniform Guidance, sponsor policy, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations, and an understanding of compliance issues related to sponsored research.

Classified Title: Sr. Contracts Associate 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Director, JHU Research Administration (Research Administration and Sponsored Programs)   
Role/Level/Range: ATP/04/PF  
Starting Salary Range: $85,500 - $149,800 Annually (Commensurate w/exp.) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 9:00 
FLSA Status: Exempt 
Location: Remote 
Department name: Research Administration Ofc of   
Personnel area: University Administration