Director, Contracts and Grants

Job Description - Director, Contracts and Grants (260000P5)

Job Description

Director, Contracts and Grants - (260000P5)

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry has an exciting opportunity for a Director, Contracts and Grants.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry has a tripartite mission that encompasses clinical service, education and research. Our faculty provides compassionate care and psychiatric services at the University of Maryland Medical Center and across the broader University of Maryland Medical System, which includes 13 hospitals. Our educational programs are nationally recognized, focusing on training the next generations of physicians, scientist and psychologist. Our research spans basic science to translational research, leveraging advancements in genetics, neuromodulation, neuroimaging and molecular biology. The department of Psychiatry''s mission is to deliver high-quality mental health care, train future leaders in psychiatry, and advance research to improve mental health outcomes.

Benefits Information

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development, along with additional exciting perks that employees can take advantage of. This position participates in a retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily physically within the State of Maryland.

Primary Duties

• Provide direction to institute/center/department by assuring that proposals and awards are in compliance with federal, state, agency and institutional policies. Direct the authorization and transmittal of all proposals and negotiates complex agreements. Develop, enhance, and provide guidance to all contract and grant functions for business unit and staff members. Collaborate with management in order to ensure the deliverance of high quality service.
• Provide direction and leadership for operational aspects of contracts and grant management business operation matters and policy development and implementation.
• Provide expertise in strategic planning, organizational and management analysis, and grants and contracts management for the unit. Provides PI and management with adhoc reports in support of strategic plan.
• Direct the authorization and transmittal of all proposals and negotiate complex agreements. Develop, enhance, and provide guidance to all lifecycle contract and grant functions.
• Review, interpret, communicate, and ensure sponsor guidelines are in compliance and eligibility information is defined within proposals.
• Oversee all documentation for the department and the sub awards. Identify and gain approvals for invention statement and publications have been completed in ERA commons.
• Identify issues and independently resolve and assist others in issue resolution as needed. Anticipate roadblocks and able to independently resolve.
• Ensure that the evaluation criteria for review of grant and contract applications and funding agency guidelines and regulations are followed. Advise faculty as to policies and procedures of those agencies as well as those of the state and University.
• Oversee the completion of institutional documentation and records related to compliance functions as they impact the portfolio and regulatory matters. Ensure that OGC systems and processes capture sufficient data and support or complement the compliance program.
• Oversee the provision of information regarding research funding opportunities to faculty members. Assist faculty in administering and maximizing funds available to conduct research.
• Review and approve reports including financial reporting and grant applications. Ensure financial reporting to internal and external recipients is accurate and reconciles with records. Responsible for effort reporting and cost sharing decisions related to administration and development within the unit.
• Maintain database of all grants submitted including tracking individual faculty grant histories, success rates by agency, and providing faculty with historical perspectives regarding research opportunities. Review purchase order requests on equipment and large supply orders to ensure funding available and policies are followed.
• Translate program requirements into contract terms in consultation with PI. Identify, develop, and ensure contract requirements contain quantifiable specification and measurable performance criteria. Validate the performance criteria will meet the requirements.
• Develop safeguards to ensure the integrity of grant administration or contracts and protects the University from financial losses. Ensure sub awards are in compliance with terms and conditions. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing and modifying practices to adjust to capacity and provide maximum effectiveness.
• Provide direction of partnership by consulting on complex contracts that require integrating proposals from subcontractors and other third parties. Establish review criteria to understand if partnership is a vendor vs. subcontract.
• Create a cohesive work team that works collaboratively to achieve unit''s goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor''s degree. Master''s degree preferred.

Experience: Seven (7) years progressively building research administrative background with at least 4 years in full life-cycle research administration.

Supervisory Experience: Three (3) years in a management/leadership level.

Certification/Licensure: Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.

Other: Financial disclosure reporting required by State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Completion of a 12-credit Research Administration graduate certificate program can be considered for the equivalent of one (1) year of relevant research administration work experience.

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 undergraduate college credits being equivalent to one year of related experience. In instances where specific education and/or experience is required only directly related education and/or experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of position requirements. Thorough knowledge of all applicable requirements, regulations, and laws. Skill in effective use of applicable technology/systems. Ability to effectively communicate both verbal and written thoughts, ideas, and facts. Ability to support a mission and strategic vision. Instructional, training, and teambuilding skills to strengthen and cultivate relationships. Skill in consultation and change management. Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to the UMB Core Values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Hiring Range: $132,000 - $149,000, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, sex, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, marital status, protected veteran''s status, or any other legally protected classification.

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact leave_and_accom@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. Read the UMB Notice of Non-Discrimination for more information.

Job

: Reg or CII Exempt Staff

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time

Shift

: Day Job

Financial Disclosure: Yes

Organization

: School of Medicine - Clinical Departments

Job Posting

: Jul 28, 2026

Unposting Date

: Aug 28, 2026, 9:29:00 AM