Director of Research Administration

Posting Details

Come and join the Bearkat community!

Named after Texas' legendary hero, General Sam Houston, the university boasts a rich historical legacy that resonates with the spirit of Texas, which provides a balance between a peaceful, natural setting and proximity to urban amenities. With a student population of over 21,000, SHSU offers a vibrant and dynamic community. SHSU has a small town feel with large scale opportunities. Located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas and just an hour drive north of Houston, Huntsville provides area residents with a sense of community and belonging.

SHSU offers compelling options for individuals seeking a fulfilling and impactful career including a superior benefit package, competitive salaries and a flexible work environment fostering work/life balance. SHSU offers programs that support a healthy work-life balance, contributing to employee well-being and job satisfaction, as well as, professional development opportunities with our educational assistance and dependent assistance programs.

Posting Information

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Requisition 202600022ES Title Director of Research Administration FLSA status Exempt Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

Department Associate Controller - Financial Reporting Division Division of Finance and Operations Open Date 07/01/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Educational and Experience Requirement

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field required. Master's degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, post-award management, or sponsored projects accounting or in a related field. Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven record of team building, staff development, and fostering a culture of service. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Nature & Purpose of Position

Performs complex and highly advanced managerial work providing direction and guidance in the strategic and operational leadership of the university's post-award administration of sponsored projects, ensuring sponsored projects are managed with excellence throughout their life cycle while serving faculty with integrity, accuracy, and responsiveness, and partnering with researchers, administrators, and external sponsors to remove administrative barriers, safeguard compliance, and empower the pursuit of research.

Primary Responsibilities

Provides vision, leadership, and direction for all post-award functions, ensuring alignment with the university's research growth goals. Leads, mentors, and develops staff to build a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement. Fosters strong partnerships with Pre-Award, Compliance, Finance, and other key stakeholders to create a seamless research support environment. Serves as a primary resource for faculty and research administrators on financial management of sponsored projects. Promotes a customer service culture that prioritizes timely, accurate, and proactive support. Communicates complex regulations and financial requirements in clear, faculty-friendly language. Oversees the full life cycle of post-award activities, including award setup, budget management, invoicing financial reporting, effort certification, and closeout. Ensures compliance with federal (Uniform Guidance), state, system, and sponsor regulations. Manages risk through timely reconciliations, proactive monitoring, and corrective actions when necessary. Establishes policies, procedures, and internal controls that ensure strong financial stewardship of sponsored funds. Coordinates audits and review with internal and external entities, ensuring accurate and timely responses. Stays current on regulatory changes and sponsor requirements, translating them into effective institutional practices. Partners with Pre-Award to improve transition between pre- and post-award and create a unified, faculty-centered research support model. Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, leverage technology, and reduce administrative burden on faculty. Serves as a bridge between researchers and administrative unites, ensuring clear communication and resolution of issues. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Other Specifications

Expert knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations (Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, etc.) Strong financial management, budgeting, and compliance skills. Must exhibit a high level of professionalism and maturity, executive ability, and a keen understanding of protocol. Ability to organize work effectively and prioritizes objectives. Ability to exercise discretion, excellent reasoning, and independent judgment. Assists in the development of policies and operational procedures for the overall department. Skilled in directing multiple tasks, setting priorities, and organizing operations. Asset and fiscal resources management skills preferred. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and the public. Strong communication skills, both orally and written. Requires the critical judgment for the department, in which very serious consequences on decision-making can occur. Interprets and applies complex directives, policies, regulations, statues, and procedures, and/or written guidelines for a department or major work group.

This position may be designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA).

Full Time Part Time Full Time Position Number Quicklink https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/47679

EEO Statement

EEO Statement

Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation 1
• Letter of Recommendation 2
• Letter of Recommendation 3

Screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you learn about this position?

• The Chronicle of Higher Education

• TWC - Work in Texas

• Inside Higher Ed

• Higher Ed Jobs

• HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium

• SHSU Website

• SHSU Employee

• Other

• If your response to the question above was "SHSU Employee" please indicate employee's name and department.

(Open Ended Question)

• If your response to the question above was "Other" please indicate from what source.

(Open Ended Question)

• • Are you a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

• Yes

• No

• • If you are not currently a CPA, are you working toward the certification? If you are, what steps have you completed?

(Open Ended Question)

• • Do you hold any certifications related to Research Administration (examples: CRA, CPRA, CFRA)?

(Open Ended Question)