Director of Cost Recovery Strategy

Position Details

Position Information

Department VP for Research (RIP) Position Title Administrator 1-Research Job Title Director of Cost Recovery Strategy Appointment Type Professional Faculty Job Location Corvallis Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary

The Division of Research and Innovation is seeking a Director of Cost Recovery Strategy. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

The Cost Recovery Strategy resides within the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) at Oregon State University and exists to provide institutional leadership in research costing, indirect cost recovery, financial policy, and regulatory compliance. The Division of Research and Innovation supports OSU's commitment to exceptional research by collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to ensure ethical research practices, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the University's strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared.

The Director of Cost Recovery Strategy provides strategic oversight of the University's cost recovery framework, ensuring compliance, consistency, and sustainable recovery of direct and indirect costs associated with sponsored research and other institutional activities. This role serves as the university's primary authority on Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rates, cost accounting standards, and sponsor financial requirements, and plays a critical role in protecting the financial integrity of OSU's research enterprise.

The position is responsible for developing and implementing institutional policies, procedures, and methodologies related to research costing, F&A rate development and negotiation, service center and recharge rates, and other cost recovery mechanisms. The Director of Cost Recovery Strategy works closely with university leadership, Research Support Services (RSS), the Office of Sponsored Research and Award Administration (OSRAA), Financial Strategic Services, Controllers unit, colleges and units, and external agencies to maximize cost recovery while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements.

In addition, the Director of Cost Recovery Strategy provides analytical leadership, education, and strategic guidance to the university community on cost recovery principles, regulatory changes, and emerging risks, ensuring that OSU remains competitive, compliant, and financially sustainable in its research operations.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU's safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

2025 Best Place for Working Parents Designation!

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

30% Revenue Generation and Sustainability and Rate Development

Explore opportunities for additional revenue generation through industry partnerships, shared service models, core facilities, and auxiliary services. Identify funding gaps and recommend strategies to enhance long-term financial sustainability, including cost-sharing or alternative funding approaches.

Provide oversight for the annual development and approval of all research fees and core facility/service center rates in collaboration with Core Directors. Establish and maintain transparent, compliant methodologies for calculating Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rates, core facility/service center rates, and recharge center fees, ensuring alignment with operational costs, federal regulations, and sponsor requirements.

Conduct ongoing analysis of rate structures, including evaluation of whether depreciation should be incorporated into fee models, and ensure methodologies are defensible and consistently applied. Perform periodic internal reviews to assess effectiveness, compliance, and alignment with institutional priorities, adjusting rates as necessary to reflect evolving cost structures and strategic objectives.

20% F&A Negotiations, Financial Management and Compliance:

Provide leadership in the development and preparation of the university's Facilities & Administrative (F&A) rate proposal. Direct the administration of cost recovery operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations (OMB Uniform Guidance), sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.

Oversee the calculation, negotiation, and implementation of the institution's annual blended fringe benefit rates. Monitor and analyze cost recovery performance to identify opportunities for improving financial efficiency and sustainability.

Collaborate closely with the Office for Sponsored Research and Award Administration (ORSAA), Research Support Services (RSS), Controller's Unit, Budget & Resource Planning, and academic units to ensure appropriate application, allocation, and stewardship of recovered funds. Coordinate with Space Management on the annual space survey and related training.

Conduct periodic reviews of cost recovery processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective internal controls. Implement safeguards to mitigate risks of non-compliance or misallocation and ensure recovered funds are used strategically to support research and institutional priorities.

20% Strategic Leadership and Policy Development:

Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of institutional policies related to research costing, indirect cost recovery, and financial compliance. Monitor changes in federal regulations and sponsor requirements, translating impacts into actionable guidance for university leadership and the research community.

Provide strategic advisement to senior leadership on cost recovery trends, compliance risks, and financial implications of policy or rate changes. Support institutional compliance initiatives, including considerations related to tax-exempt debt and other regulatory frameworks.

15% Data Analysis, financial modeling and Reporting:

Develop and maintain financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools to monitor cost recovery performance, trends, and risks. Analyze historical financial data and forecast future revenue to support institutional financial stability.

Develop contingency plans for funding shortfalls or changes in reimbursement environments. Provide data-driven recommendations to inform financial planning, rate setting, and resource allocation.

Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, auditors, and external stakeholders, including analysis of how recovered funds are distributed (e.g., reinvestment in research infrastructure, administrative support, faculty incentives).

10% Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

Serve as a primary liaison with federal agencies, sponsors, and auditors on matters related to research costing and cost recovery. Provide training, tools, and guidance to faculty, administrators, and research staff on costing policies, methodologies, and best practices.

Collaborate with academic units, research centers, and administrative partners to ensure consistent, transparent, and compliant costing practices across the institution. Lead initiatives to strengthen institutional awareness of cost recovery opportunities and challenges.

Advise on capital acquisition proposals for core equipment and space planning, applying a cost recovery lens and ensuring alignment with institutional capacity, sustainability, and strategic priorities.

5% Other Duties as Assigned

What You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, or a related field.
• Six (6) years of senior level management and supervisory experience, with focus on costing. An advanced degree may be considered in lieu of some of the required experience.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in financial management, cost recovery, research administration, or related areas within a higher education or research-intensive environment.
• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations governing research funding, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Experience with F&A rate development, negotiations, and cost allocation methodologies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with experience in cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work collaboratively with all backgrounds and perspectives and foster an inclusive team environment.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, MPA, Finance, Research Administration).
• Experience in an R1 university or large research institution.
• Three (3) years of experience in supporting the submission of F&A (Facilities and Administrative) reports.
• Familiarity with research compliance, effort reporting, and sponsored project administration.
• Proficiency in financial analysis tools, ERP systems, and data visualization software.
• Experience using Comprehensive Rate Information System (CRIS)
• Experience in using Workday for data analysis, reporting, and/or process improvement.
• Two (2) years of direct supervisory experience.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• This position is based on campus with the possibility of hybrid work arrangements.
• Occasional travel may be required for training, conferences, and meetings with external stakeholders.

Pay Method Salary Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $114,510 - $200,323 Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/180233

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09931UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 08/01/2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 05/19/2026 Full Consideration Date Closing Date 06/22/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: Sara Begley at Sara.begley@oregonstate.edu.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• VETERANS ONLY: Must provide proof of Veteran Status (DO NOT upload any unrelated documentation - information uploaded to this field will be removed once reviewed)