ALLEN UNIVERSITY Employment Opportunity Associate Director of Sponsored Programs & Title III Division: Office of Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs Reports To: Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives Location: Columbia, South Carolina Status: Full-Time) About Allen University Founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Allen University is a historic Historically Black University in Columbia, South Carolina, dedicated to transformative education and to producing leaders who serve their communities, the nation, and the world. As the University advances an ambitious research and innovation agenda, it is building a modern Office of Research, Innovation, and Sponsored Programs to substantially expand external funding, strengthen federal partnerships, and support faculty and student success. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a growing research enterprise at a mission-driven institution. Position Summary Reporting to the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives, the Director of Sponsored Programs & Title III provides operational leadership for Allen University's externally funded programs. The Director manages the full grants lifecycle - from proposal development and submission through award management, compliance, and close-out - and administers the University's Title III (Strengthening HBCUs) program in full compliance with U.S. Department of Education requirements. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional who pairs technical grants expertise and strong compliance discipline with a collaborative, faculty-centered approach. Key Responsibilities Sponsored Programs Administration • Lead pre-award functions, including disseminating funding opportunities, supporting faculty in proposal development, preparing budgets, ensuring sponsor and institutional compliance, and submitting applications through Grants.gov, Research.gov, and sponsor systems. • Lead post-award functions, including award set-up, expenditure monitoring, financial and technical reporting, effort reporting, subaward monitoring, and timely close-out. • Ensure compliance with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), sponsor terms and conditions, and applicable federal regulations; support IRB governance, CITI training, and the responsible conduct of research. • Oversee indirect-cost (F&A) recovery and maintain documentation supporting the University's negotiated rate. • Develop and maintain sponsored-programs policies, procedures, and internal controls, and supervise and mentor office staff as the function grows. • Track and report metrics on proposal submissions, award conversions, and external-funding growth to inform institutional decision-making. Title III Program Management • Administer the University's Title III (Strengthening HBCUs) program in full compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations. • Coordinate activity directors, monitor budgets and drawdowns, ensure allowable costs, and manage the Annual Performance Report (APR) and all required federal reporting. • Serve as the primary institutional liaison with the U.S. Department of Education program office and ensure ongoing audit readiness. • Align Title III investments with institutional priorities, the strategic plan, and SACSCOC accreditation goals. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred. • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored programs or grants administration in higher education, including both pre- and post-award functions. • Working knowledge of federal grant regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), and of sponsor compliance requirements. • Demonstrated experience with proposal development, budget preparation, and award and financial management. • Proficiency with grants and reporting systems (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov, NIH eRA Commons) and with financial or ERP systems. • Excellent organizational, analytical, and written and oral communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines. Preferred Qualifications • Experience administering Title III or other federal HBCU / minority-serving-institution capacity-building programs. • Leadership or professional experience at an HBCU or other minority-serving institution. • Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) credential. • Supervisory experience and a record of building or scaling a sponsored-programs office. • Familiarity with SACSCOC accreditation standards and institutional-effectiveness practices. What Allen University Offers • The opportunity to help build a growing research enterprise and make an immediate, visible institutional impact. • A collegial, mission-driven community with deep historical significance. • A competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Application Process To apply, submit (1) a letter of interest, (2) a current résumé or curriculum vitae, and (3) the names and contact information of three professional references to the Director of Human Resources ddennis@allenuniversity.edu Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Allen University is an AME Church-affiliated institution. Allen University provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities.