Director of Sponsored Projects
State of South Carolina
Posted: March 4, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Department of the Air Force
Location
Salary
$104,303 - $209,600
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Management & Supervision jobs →Closes
This role involves leading efforts to secure and manage funding for research and educational programs at the Air Force Institute of Technology, including preparing proposals, handling budgets, and ensuring compliance with rules.
It suits experienced leaders with a strong background in academia or government who enjoy coordinating teams and building partnerships to support innovative projects.
Ideal candidates are organized communicators comfortable with financial oversight and adapting to evolving needs.
The primary purpose of this position is to facilitate all aspects of the external sponsorship of research and educational programs in support of AFIT's mission REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An earned Master's degree Minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory, or team lead role Ability to communicate clearly and expertly (in English) in both verbal and written forms concerning academic, administrative, and technical subject matters.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Relevant doctoral degree, Successful leadership of large multi-functional teams with million-dollar budgets, Experience preparing successful research proposals, Ten or more years' experience in an academic and/or federal environment directly relevant to the position duties Faculty experience at a regionally accredited institution of higher education Knowledge of current sponsored program management and research compliance trends Experience responding effectively to changing conditions Ability to maintain positive working relationships with diverse personnel PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
Performs the following duties in the Office of Research and Outreach, Sponsored Programs Office, Air Force Institute of Technology: External Research Sponsorship Facilitates all aspects of the external sponsorship of research and educational programs in support of AFIT's mission.
Integrates the "pre-award" project activities of Sponsored Programs within the Office of Research and Outreach (AFIT/CZ).
Reviews/submits research proposals and oversees technology transfer functions, including Cooperative Research and Development agreements. Integrates the "post-award" activities of Sponsored Programs.
Leads Resource Advisors to execute sponsor funds and manage project financial accounts.
Develops and manages the Sponsored Programs Business Plan, including annual establishment of incremental direct cost rates and regular review of funding execution.
Represents AFIT at regional and national meetings of institutional directors of sponsored research and programs to gather and disseminate information regarding best professional practices.
Coordinates with other AFIT offices including personnel, academic affairs, and financial management to facilitate sponsor funding of 10-month civilian faculty intersessionals, research overhires, and other matters.
Negotiates details of non-standard Interagency Agreements, Support Agreements, and other agreements, ensuring appropriate legal review of all actions.
Responds to requests for sponsor program information from federal and state higher education agencies in addition to Air Force entities, integrating data from multiple EN and AFIT offices.
Technology Transfer Ensures faculty and staff are instructed on topics including technology transfer procedures, proposal preparation, use of electronic research administration tools, budget management and compliance issues such as Institutional Research Board requirements for human subjects research.
Ensures the patent and agreements of AFIT's Office of Research and Technology Application are conducted consistent with AFI 61-301, The Domestic Technology Transfer Process, and the Offices of Research and Technology Applications which include development and execution of Technology Transfer (T2) mechanisms including: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with nonfederal agencies, Education Partnership Agreements (EPAs), Information Transfer Agreements (ITAs), Commercial Transfer Agreements (CTAs), patent licensing agreements, joint ownership agreements, modifications, amendments and agreement termination.
Service and Administration Provides advice to AFIT faculty and staff regarding CZ policies and procedures and directs questions to the appropriate subject matter expert as needed for resolution.
Develop ad hoc reports for Senior Leadership and attends the Graduate School of Engineering and Management Department Heads meeting as needed.
Supports CZ by reviewing and making recommendations on CZ tools such as the CZ website, SharePoint, Research Report and other products.
Engages in pre-award including providing guidance and instruction to more junior CZ staff, as well as advising staff on T2 intersectionality with pre-and post-award activities.
Oversees the quality and timeliness of the annual report and annual research report.
Ensures the preparation, publishing and distribution of an annual report of research and related Graduate School of Engineering and Management activities to communicate the value of AFIT research contributions and opportunities for collaboration.
Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management.
Selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignment in consideration of skills, qualifications, and mission requirements.
Develops, modifies, and/or interprets performance standards. Explains performance expectations to employees and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses.
Holds employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments. Appraises subordinate workers performance ensuring consistency and equity in rating techniques.
Recommend awards when appropriate and approves within-grade increases. Hears and resolves employee complaints and refers serious unresolved complaints to higher level management.
Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems. Effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious disciplinary matters.
Prepares documentation to support actions taken. Identifies employee developmental needs and provides or arranges for training (formal and on-the-job) to maintain and improve job performance.
Encourages self-development. Approves master leave schedule assuring adequate coverage for peak workloads and traditional holiday vacation time. Demonstrates sensitivity to ideas of subordinates.
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