Department    Office of Sponsored Programs
Criminal Background Check    Standard Background Check, Financial Background Check
Motor Vehicle Background Check    No
Job Category    Administrative or Professional Faculty
Job Type    Full-Time
Working Hours    8:30 - 5:00
Location    Fairfax, VA
Salary    Commensurate with education and experience.

The George Mason University, Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) seeks applicants for the position of Associate Director, Proposal and Award Management. George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

About OSP:

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) provides the full-range of research administrative services for the preparation and submission of proposals, negotiation and acceptance of grants and contracts; and the administration of sponsored project funds. OSP submits approximately $500 million in proposals and receives approximately $150 million in awards annually. For more information on OSP, please go to http://www.gmu.edu/research/OSP/ 

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Associate VP of Research Operations, this position serves as a key member of the OSP management team and leads a staff of 18 with 4 direct reports. The Associate Director, Proposal and Award Management has primary responsibility for managing 3 teams responsible for research administration services including proposal submission, award setup and cost compliance. Some specific areas of responsibility include: providing direction, mentoring, and professional development to staff; proposal review; ensuring compliance with external sponsor requirements; ensuring compliance with University, State and Federal regulations on all proposal and award management areas and serves as a designated authorized official for proposal activity at George Mason University.

In addition, he/she provides training on proposal and budget development to the University community and works closely with the Associate VP of Research Operations to develop policies and procedures related to proposal and award management.

Qualifications:

A Master’s degree in business, accounting or a related field and significant demonstrated experience in research administration, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Preference will be given to candidates with a CRA (Certified Research Administrator). Knowledge of federal regulations (OMB Uniform Guidance) and experience with the grant and contract policies of major federal, state and nonprofit funding agencies are required skill sets.

Demonstrated management experience and the ability to provide strong leadership in a team environment is required. Must have strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others at various levels within an organization. Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. Strong organizational and analytical skills are required. The successful applicant should have a strong customer service background with the ability to deliver training to faculty and staff. Technical proficiency is necessary in the area of proposal preparation and submission, including experience with research administration systems, Grants.gov, NSF Fastlane, eRA Commons, and other external sponsor systems, and Microsoft Office. Must have the ability to work with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Candidates must be:

• A citizen of the United States,
• A person who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a “Green Card” holder),
• A person who is a “protected individual” as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or
• A person who is otherwise able to become generally eligible to receive unclassified technical data pursuant to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Special Instructions to Applicants    

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education. 

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create. 

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/! 

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement    

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information    

Mason’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/