The mission of the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) unit within the Office of Research and Creative Activity is to support and strengthen research and creative activity by delivering high-quality pre-award and non-financial post-award services, supporting the university community in obtaining sponsored funding, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance the university’s research enterprise.
Description & Details:
SPA is seeking an Assistant Director who will provide leadership and oversight for pre-award and post-award research administration in support of the university’s research mission. This position reviews, approves, and facilitates the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiates and accepts grants, contracts, and other research agreements; and serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for institutional signature authority. The Assistant Director supervises SPA staff, supports strategic and operational initiatives, manages sponsored programs activities during the Director’s absence, and collaborates with faculty, administrators, compliance offices, and external sponsors to ensure compliant, efficient, and high-quality research administration services. The role also contributes to research administration system management, reporting, process improvement, staff development, and initiatives that strengthen institutional research capacity and competitiveness.
The Assistant Director should be a strategic and collaborative leader with awareness across the sponsored programs lifecycle, strong knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, and a commitment to service excellence. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills; the ability to work effectively across organizational levels; and an interest in leveraging technology and process improvements to support a dynamic research enterprise. Experience with higher education research administration and electronic research administration systems is highly valued.
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm academic year, 7:30 am-4:00 pm summer hours/winter break hours
Hiring Range: $71,000-$90,000 plus excellent benefits!
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s Degree with at least 2 years of project management, program design, or grants experience, or any combination.
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Research administration knowledge, including regulatory compliance.
Experience with electronic research administration (ERA) or enterprise-level system.
Awareness of federal electronic award systems (e.g. Grants.gov, Research.gov, eRA Commons, etc.)
Experience with proposal review and/or submission.
Experience with negotiation of agreements.
Preferred Qualifications:
Certified Research Administration (CRA), or Master’s Degree, or Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Advanced research administration experience, preferably in sponsored programs in higher ed environment.
Pre- and/or post-award experience, or combination, in higher ed environment.
Experience in supervision of staff.
Experience with Novelution ERA system.
Experience with proposal review and/or submission in university research administration setting.
Experience with negotiation of grants &/or contracts in university research administration setting.
Applicant Materials Required:
Please include a resumé, a cover letter individually addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications, and contact information for three professional references with your application materials.
Application Process:
Any questions about the search can be directed to the search committee at
[email protected]. While applications and nominations will be accepted until the position is filled, full consideration will be given to candidates who submit application materials by end of day
September 7, 2026. Applications accepted online at https://www.ndsu.edu/employment/
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
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100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
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Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
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Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
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Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
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Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
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Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
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Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
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Supportive work-life balance
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Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
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50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
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Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
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Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
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Supplemental Retirement Plans
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, [email protected].
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran’s Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or [email protected].
