Executive Director of Projects Office and Contracts & Grants; Hybrid

Executive Director of Sponsored Projects Office and Contracts & Grants (Hybrid)

University of California Merced

Job : 79560
Location: Merced
Full/Part Time: Full Time

Hiring Range

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position.

Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The salary range the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $142,500 - $171,300.

Job Closing Date

This position offers a lot of work flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely as business needs allow.

The initial applicant review will take place on or around August 18, 2025.

About UC Merced

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and one of the youngest universities to be designated an R1 research university. With approximately 9,100 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced is a smaller, more intimate campus compared to its sister campuses, while equipped and staffed as a cutting edge, 21st century research institution.

With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships and a growing community in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked in the top 30 among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report and #1 for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide world class educational opportunities to dynamic and enterprising students in the Valley and throughout the state. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced has launched a rigorous medical education program that will supply the Valley with culturally competent providers dedicated to improving local access to quality care.

The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and is accelerating the continued economic development of the region.

About the Job

Provides vision and leadership on all matters related to research administration. Participates with other senior managers in making long-term strategic plans and objectives concerning research administration that will impact campus research. Establishes operational objectives and work plans, and delegates assignments to subordinate staff. Involved in developing, modifying, and executing organization policies that affect the contracts and grants office, ensuring the organization's compliance with federal, state, and university regulations pertaining to research administration.

Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve goals result in additional costs and/or personnel. Has the delegation of authority to request and accept extramural funding on behalf of the University. Negotiates and directs agreements with other institutions, federal, state, local, and foreign governmental entities, charitable foundations, and contracts in support of outreach and public service missions. Functions as a university liaison with senior administrators, faculty members, corporations, funding sources, and regulatory agencies.

Represents campus and Office of the President on sponsored projects, contracts & grants, cost regulation, and other key issues. Conducts highest-level analysis on changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding external funding and research compliance. Works collaboratively and strategically with other campus administrative offices, Schools, and Organize Research Units (ORUs) to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of extramural funding management across a diverse range of organizational research activities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead the establishment of overall strategy, direction, goals, and objectives of Research Administration; direct the operation to support the strategy and structure of the Sponsored Projects Office (SPO) and Contract and Grants Administration (CGA) teams. Provide supervision and guidance to subordinates in developing and implementing effective and efficient processes and procedures for proposal development and grant management. Work collaboratively with the Research Compliance and Integrity office to ensure campus research compliance with sponsor regulations and policies.

Conduct highest-level analysis on changes in regulations, policies, and procedures regarding external funding management and…