DIRECTOR, SPONSORED PROGRAMS

One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director leads, manages, and facilitates pre-award research administration to advance Clemson's research goals and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Sponsored Programs, working closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to support external funding while ensuring compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations and policies. The role coordinates pre-award activities in close partnership with research compliance and post-award functions, ensuring a seamless and integrated research administration ecosystem.

This is a rare opportunity to lead pre-award research administration at a Carnegie R1 land-grant university with strong momentum in sponsored funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior research leadership and faculty, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence while strengthening policies, advancing systems and processes, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports researchers throughout the proposal and award lifecycle.

The successful candidate will join Clemson at a time of continued growth and investment in research infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide practices, lead complex negotiations as the University's Authorized Organizational Representative, develop and mentor a high-performing team, and help position Clemson for sustained competitiveness in an increasingly complex federal and sponsor funding environment.

JOB DUTIES:

Operations and Organizational Leadership -Provide leadership and oversight of the Office of Sponsored Programs in support of Clemson University's research strategy and strategic plan. Oversee day-to-day pre-award operations, including proposal submission and award acceptance processes, staffing, performance management, and training. Partner with the eRA office to advance technology improvements and process documentation and continuously assess organizational structure and workload to respond to evolving research activity and sponsor requirements.

Policies, Procedures, and Regulatory Oversight - Work collaboratively with the Senior Vice President for Research to develop, implement, and review policies and procedures governing pre-award research administration. Establish and maintain consistent processes for the review and negotiation of sponsored research grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, and related instruments. Monitor changes in federal regulations and external requirements and recommend policy revisions as appropriate. Prepare reports, analyses, and position papers as directed.

Contract Review and Negotiation- Provide institutional oversight for the review and negotiation of sponsored research agreements, including grants, contracts, non-disclosure agreements, data use agreements, material transfer agreements, and other research-related instruments. Lead the resolution of non-standard or complex agreement terms in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel. Serve as Clemson University's Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).

Outreach and Collaboration - Communicate university policies and best practices related to pre-award research administration to faculty, staff, and administrators. Collaborate regularly with associate deans for research, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Ethics and Compliance, and other campus partners. Serve as a primary institutional point of contact and AOR for external sponsors and organizations, including COGR and FDP.

Strategic Planning and Special Initiatives- Serve as a key member of the Senior Vice President for Research's leadership team and contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen the Division of Research and support research excellence at the highest level. Participate in planning activities that enhance research capacity, compliance, and institutional competitiveness.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Master's degree in a relevant field.

A minimum of five years of professional experience, including three to five years of experience in research administration.

Demonstrated knowledge of pre-award research administration, sponsored programs regulations, and compliance requirements.

Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and research support units.

Proven experience leading, supervising, and developing professional staff.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Doctoral or professional degree.

Demonstrated leadership experience with measurable impact in university research administration.

Professional certifications such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).

Experience serving as or supporting an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR).

Experience in a complex R1 or public research university environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

   Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period
   Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
   Perceive, observe, clarity of vision

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Overnight Travel

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hrs: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary commensurate with experience

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC

HOW TO APPLY:

Application materials should include:

A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant's qualifications for the position

A current curriculum vitae/resume

Please submit full application packets (cover letter and CV/resume) at https://apply.interfolio.com/180911

For best consideration, please submit materials by March 20, 2026

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Clemson University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed towards Julie Holley and Ann Bailey with Greenwood Asher & Associates.

Julie Holley; Associate Vice President of Executive Search & Search Manager / 850.687.5104 / julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com

Ann Bailey: Senior Executive Search Consultant / 850.830.5169 / annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.