Career Center

Summary of Duties:

Direct and oversee the operations and services provided by Sponsored Programs Services. Responsibilities include fiscal planning, budgeting, and oversight; leadership and team building; employee supervision, interviewing, hiring, training, and evaluating personnel; interpreting state and federal regulations; formulating University policy for compliance and implementation as appropriate and leading continual process improvement activities as they relate to these service areas. The Director actively participates as a member of the Executive Director/Controller’s leadership team. 

As the leader for the Sponsored Programs Services Office, this position is responsible for ensuring effective fiscal administrative support for university-wide sponsored programs, from receipt of a sponsored agreement through completion of the period of performance and applicable closeout procedures. The Director assembles, coaches and develops a team of financial research administrators, compliance professionals, and fiscal officers and analysts to perform critical activities such as: award setup, invoicing, reporting, subrecipient monitoring, receipting and revenue protection, effort certification, and grant closeout in compliance with institutional policies Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and other post-award regulations. The incumbent will have a strong understanding of compliance regulations and generally accepted accounting principles. Acts as a liaison between Business Services / Controller’s Office and WSU Campuses and Departments, and as an expert resource for customers on post-award policy, procedure and best practices related to the administration of sponsored programs and compliance with federal and other regulations. The Director will provide subject matter expertise in the stabilization and optimization of the grant accounting compliance platforms in Workday, the University’s ERP. 

SPS serves WSU system-wide including the Pullman, Everett, Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver campuses. This position is currently eligible for remote/hybrid work; the work schedule is required to primarily overlap normal SPS Office hours M-F between 8am - 5pm Pacific Time.

Required Qualifications:

• Positions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and six (6) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least three (3) years of managerial experience. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience. Education and experience can be tailored to fit the specific organizational entity/directorial assignment.

• Experience processing post award sponsored projects in a large and complex organization. 

• Previous experience supervising and leading a multi-functional team or unit. 

• Experience with Microsoft software programs such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, and PowerPoint. 

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal, written and oral communication skills. 

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies and procedures. 

• Demonstrated ability to interact with large groups and individuals at all work levels. 

• Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200). 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading or directing post award sponsored program administration in a large and complex organization (i.e. an R1, land grant portfolio, administered across a multi-campus system, including a Veterinary and/or Medical School). Experience implementing, using and overseeing grant accounting in a complex modern accounting system, including report development.

• Moderate to advanced skill level with Microsoft software programs such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.

• Familiarity with Washington State University policies and State of Washington codes and regulations.

• Master’s degree in a related field.

• Relevant professional credentials, such as Certified Research Administrator (CRA).