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Director Of Sponsored Programs Jobs in Raleigh, NC

NCSU

Research Administrator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research and ...

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Director Of Sponsored Programs information

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$23.7K

$73.6K

$161.9K

How much do director of sponsored programs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of sponsored programs in Raleigh, NC is $73,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,663.00 and $96,174.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director of sponsored programs?

A Director of Sponsored Programs is a senior administrator at a college, university, or research institution who oversees the management of externally funded research projects and grants. This role involves ensuring compliance with funding regulations, developing institutional policies, and supporting faculty and staff in securing and managing grants. The Director acts as a liaison between the institution and sponsors, such as government agencies, foundations, and corporations, to facilitate research activities and ensure proper stewardship of funds.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of sponsored programs, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Sponsored Programs, you need expertise in research administration, grant management, compliance, and a relevant degree—often supported by Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification. Familiarity with grant management systems, federal and state regulatory requirements, and electronic submission portals like Grants.gov is essential. Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills set candidates apart by enabling effective collaboration between faculty, administration, and funding agencies. These skills ensure efficient management of sponsored projects, regulatory compliance, and successful funding outcomes for the organization.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of sponsored programs, and how can they be managed effectively?

A Director of Sponsored Programs often navigates the complexities of grant compliance, shifting funding priorities, and coordination among multiple stakeholders, such as faculty, legal teams, and external sponsors. Effective management involves staying current on regulatory changes, fostering strong communication channels within the institution, and implementing robust administrative processes. Building a knowledgeable support team and investing in professional development can also help ensure smooth proposal submissions and post-award management.

What is the difference between Director Of Sponsored Programs vs Sponsored Programs Coordinator?

AspectDirector Of Sponsored ProgramsSponsored Programs Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's degree, experience in grants managementTypically bachelor's degree, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentSenior role overseeing multiple projects, strategic planningSupports grant processes, administrative tasks
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutions, non-profitsSame as director, often within the same organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in sponsored programsEntry to mid-level roles assisting in grant management

The Director Of Sponsored Programs typically holds a senior position responsible for overseeing all sponsored projects, strategic planning, and compliance. In contrast, the Sponsored Programs Coordinator focuses on supporting grant processes and administrative tasks. Both roles are essential in research and academic settings, but they differ in scope, responsibilities, and experience required.

What job categories do people searching Director Of Sponsored Programs jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Of Sponsored Programs jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Director Of Sponsored Programs jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Director Of Sponsored Programs job openings:

Director Of Sponsored Programs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Sponsored Programs job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,648 per year, or $35.4 per hour.

Director of Research Administration

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Information
Department Office of Sponsored Programs-621100 Career Area Research Professionals Posting Open Date 06/25/2026 Application Deadline 08/17/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF) Working Title Director of Research Administration Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty Position Number 20017255, 00060848 Vacancy ID NF0009846 Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent FTE 1 Hours per week 40 Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on Qualifications Proposed Start Date 08/24/2026
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University's research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors.
OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.
There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards (CAS).
OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP's centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.
Position Summary
THIS POSTING IS FOR TWO IDENTICAL POSITIONS (POSITION NUMBERS 20017255 AND 00060848).  BY APPLYING TO THIS POSTING, YOUR WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR BOTH AVAILABLE POSITIONS.   
The primary purpose of the Director of Research Administration position is to provide executive leadership of sponsored research activities campus-wide supporting sponsored research across the university. This includes the oversight, management, and submission of proposals to ensure compliance with the institution's academic and research policy, providing substantive professional advice on the development of proposals, and extensive negotiation with sponsoring agencies with regard to the terms and conditions that govern the conduct of sponsored research.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Research Administration, this position will oversee the daily operations related to pre-award and post-award compliance and program requirements. The position will ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and university policies regarding sponsored research award management. The position will foster a culture of collaboration both within the Office of Sponsored Programs as well as with the campus community and external sponsors.
The Director of Research Administration must work collaboratively with other members of the leadership team to set office-wide goals and objectives, define team member roles and responsibilities across the award life cycle, and assess and track workload volume and complexity. They will be integral to building a positive team culture and keeping the team engaged with a focus on both strong campus support and compliance. The Director will represent the university to sponsors and to university administrators. They will provide advice and leadership on complex risk management issues.
The Director will provide supervision, mentoring, and leadership to a team of 3 to 4 Research Administration Managers who each manage a team of 4 to 6 Sponsored Projects Specialists.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Masters with 2+ yrs supervisory experience and 7+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelors with 4+ yrs supervisory experience and 7+ years of relevant experience
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Selected candidate must demonstrate the following:
* Ability to provide effective leadership to a team of professional staff in a multi-functional, dynamic, fast-paced and ever-changing environment, including: training; evaluating and managing the performance of employees; establishing individual and team goals; providing constructive and timely feedback regarding job performance; and developing and monitoring professional development plans.
* Ability to handle significant stress and a large workload.
* Advanced ability to identify highly complex problems and implement appropriate solutions.
* Advanced ability to rapidly review and accurately analyze policies, procedures, regulations, statutes, and complex documents and ability to interpret and explain policies, procedures, regulations, statutes and their underlying principles to a variety of audiences, including faculty, department chairs and deans, managers, staff, and external sponsors.
* Advanced knowledge of research administration policies, procedures, and practices of federal and non-federal sponsors pre-award and/or post-award environment. Candidates with experience in only one of these areas must be committee to developing expertise in both pre- and post- award in a timely basis once in the position.
* Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted contracting and subcontracting principles and practices, and applicable Codes of Federal Regulations (including 2 CFR Part 200).
* Experience in the use, development and implementation of management information systems.
* Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational units and at all levels, including faculty, deans, central administration and senior institutional officials.
* Highest level of professional and personal integrity.
* Strong communication and customer service skills.
* Demonstrated strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
* Demonstrated ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
* Sponsored projects contracting experience.
* Experience in a university sponsored research office or equivalent setting.
* Experience with RAMSeS, electronic grants administration systems such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA commons, Fastlane and similar Research Administration systems.
* Strongly prefer experience in reviewing and submitting proposals utilizing electronic proposal submission processes and funding mechanisms employed by various extramural sponsors.
* Strongly prefer experience directing and managing the proposal review and submission process; negotiation and acceptance of award terms; and management of related post-award (non-financial) sponsored research activities.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321256
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Jennifer Teixeira, Senior Director Research Administration Department Contact Telephone or Email jennifer.teixeira@unc.edu Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

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Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789

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