- Code
- 5274
- PCLS
- N3079
- Pay Grade
- 130
- Exempt
- Yes
- ORP
- No
- EEO Code
- 3
- Title
- Manager, Sponsored Programs
- Description
The Sponsored Programs Manager in the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPR) supports MSU faculty and staff across the full award lifecycle. The Sponsored Programs Manager has primary responsibility for managing all non-financial post-award activities on grants and other sponsored programs at MSU, and collaborates with other OSPR staff on pre-award and compliance-related functions and the development and implementation of training and professional development related to grants. This position reports to the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.
- Examples
Pre-Award: The Sponsored Programs Manager collaborates with principal investigators (PIs) and other OSPR staff to support the preparation and submission of grant applications and facilitate the acceptance and initiation of incoming awards. Roles include:
· Assisting PIs with the preparation of grant proposals, particularly the creation and review of budgets and budget narratives.
· Reviewing applications prior to submission to ensure funding requests adhere to all applicable regulations.
· Coordinating the routing and administrative review of proposals prior to submission.
· Reviewing incoming award agreements and identify award terms that require additional review and coordinate with Business Office to support award setup.
· Working with OSPR Director to coordinate MSU’s intramural grant application and review process.
Post-Award: The Sponsored Programs Manager has primary responsibility for all non-financial post-award activities for MSU’s portfolio of grants. This position works collaboratively with other staff in OSPR and the Business Office to provide seamless support to funded PIs for sponsored programs-related needs. Examples include:
· Training PIs and relevant staff on compliance regulations and best practices for managing and implementing awards;
· Coordinating with the business office on reporting, budget modifications, no-cost extension requests, and closeouts;
· Reviewing PI purchase/expenditure requests and initiating grant-funded expenses (e.g. P-card transactions, purchase requisitions, contracts, personnel requisitions, etc.);
· Assisting PIs with reporting by monitoring and communicating deadlines and providing PIs with support in reviewing and submitting technical reports. On request, provides review of financial reports and effort reporting records after completion by the Business Office;
· Maintaining complete and accurate records of all grants in accordance with relevant university, state, and federal regulations;
· Administering post-award aspects of MSU’s intramural grants, including keeping internal OSPR records of grant budgets, maintaining equipment inventory, and providing guidance on approved expenses.
Training and Outreach: The Sponsored Programs Manager works with other OSPR staff to provide and/or facilitate access to training on research and sponsored program-related topics. Examples include:
· Developing materials for and engaging in internal (MSU) marketing of OSPR services and events.
· Developing and conducting workshops and one-on-one training for PIs on proposal development, grant management, and compliance-related topics for faculty and staff.
· Maintaining OSPR’s Grant Management Training course in D2L, reviewing and updating content and adding new modules as needed.
· Managing the Faculty Resource Center
· Planning and hosting the annual Grants Academy in coordination with the OSPR Director, and giving presentations to faculty participants during the Academy.
· Planning and hosting the research recognition reception, symposia, and networking events for faculty in coordination with OSPR Director.
· Maintaining and updating OSPR’s website
Compliance: The Sponsored Programs Manager works with the OSPR Director to ensure compliance with a wide range of state and federal research and ethical compliance requirements. Examples include:
· Working together with OSPR staff and other offices on campus to ensure institutional compliance with grant-related regulations, including research security, export controls, financial conflict of interest reporting, responsible conduct of research training, and human and animal subjects research requirements.
· Assisting the OSPR Director in the development, revision, and implementation of policies, procedures, and practices that ensure responsible and ethical management of sponsored funds.
Other Responsibilities:
· Pursuing professional growth and development: stays current on applicable state and federal rules and regulations as well as professional (research administration) publications and literature; participates in appropriate online forums and professional associations; engages in relevant training; and attends professional conferences and networks with other research administration professionals.
· Facilitating research and other sponsored program activities at MSU: Provides recommendations for navigating and using campus resources. Advocates for services on behalf of grants-active faculty and staff. Provides guidance on university procedures for a wide range of areas/topics. Serves as liaison between the PI(s) and other campus offices. Serves on relevant committees and task forces as needed. Assists the OSPR Director and other MSU offices with internal and external reporting related to sponsored programs.
· Recordkeeping and Managing Accounts: Manages OSPR accounts in coordination with OSPR Director. Maintains accurate and complete records of expenditures and reconciles accounts regularly. Prepares and submits required reports on state-funded research expenditures
· Supervising student assistants.
- Physical Condition
Sufficient dexterity, agility, and physical condition to perform routine office tasks.
- Experience
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in grant administration or related field. Experience in college/university research administration preferred. Experience using Banner or similar ERP systems preferred.
- Knowledge
Up-to-date knowledge of federal and state grant rules and regulations, including but not limited to those found in the Code of Federal Regulations; Ability to analyze and interpret federal and non-federal regulations; Familiarity with research compliance rules and regulations, including but not limited to those pertaining to the protection of human and animal subjects in research, conflicts of interest, responsible and ethical conduct of research, and research security; Skilled in project and budget management; Ability to work accurately with attention to detail; Ability to use and assist others with using multiple internal and external systems used in research administration; Ability to problem solve and independently address challenging inquiries in a cooperative, responsible, and people-centered manner; Must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite, including Excel. Proficiency with Canva or similar design software preferred.
- Education
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Certified or eligible to obtain certification as a research administrator (CRA) within 3 years.
- Additional Requirements
After-hours work may be required to meet deadlines.
- Standard Requirements
-
Requires the ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the community. Must adhere to University’s core values: People-Centered, Community, Integrity, Visionary, and Connections, per the MSU Texas Values Journey. Personal cell phone usage may be required to complete position duties, including multi-function authentication requirements. Regular reliable attendance is required.
This position is designated as security sensitive (Mod) and requires a criminal background check. Position is designated as a Responsible Employee as outlined by Title IX. May serve as Campus Security Authority as outlined by the Clery Act.
Last Updated 03-27-2025