Hybrid Director of Sponsored Programs presso Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Description

Recruitment Period: 08/06/2025- Until Filled

Status: Full-Time, 40 hours/week

Salary Information: Annual Minimum Salary-$77,200-Annual Maximum Salary-$123,500

Hiring Rate:  $37.12-$42.69

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) does not sponsor employment visas. All candidates selected for hire must provide valid documentation verifying their eligibility to work in the United States.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) was founded as a 501(c) (3) non-profit medical institution in 2005 aimed at increasing access to health care in medically underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest.

The University currently offers the degrees of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Master of Arts in Medical Science, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy enrolling over 550 students annually with plans to develop other programs and/or colleges. Interprofessional education partnerships with other universities adds another 100 students to the population. The campus includes 300 employees with academic programming spread over a five-state region.

PNWU is located in Yakima, WA, a city of approximately 95,000 located in the south-central part of the state near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in a major agricultural and outdoor recreation region. It is approximately 140 miles from Seattle, 170 miles from Portland, and 200 miles from Spokane. The Yakima Valley is a wonderful place to live, work and play. For more information, visit https://www.visityakima.com/.

General Summary:

Working under the direction of the Vice President of Research, the Director of Sponsored Programs (DSP) leads and oversees a range of functions to support and manage pre-award and post-award activities for both internally and externally funded (sponsored) research, scholarship, and University programs. Works closely with all faculty, staff, and University departments to effectively manage sponsored project budgets, proposals, spending reconciliation, reporting, and compliance with university policies, procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. They also collaborate with University Relations and Strategic Partnerships to facilitate the preparation and execution of competitive funding proposals.  

Essential Job Functions:

• Research Advancement – Collaborate with interested parties and contribute to decisions about PNWU sponsored program and research priorities; develop initiatives, policies and procedures to support these priorities; liaise with internal and external stakeholders to advance infrastructure; in collaboration with Operations, manage institutional regulatory compliance. 

• Oversees management of post-award activities by assisting with the negotiation of new grant and contract awards; reviewing drafted and agreement documents prior to processing; assisting researchers in hiring personnel; performing administrative tasks; maintaining records and supporting external audits; assisting in preparation and submission of prior approval requests/various reports; and managing post-award compliance. 

• Oversees management of pre-award activities; reviewing prepared budgets; ensuring the administrative approval process is adhered to prior to submission; review final reviews and feedback; manage submission of proposals to sponsor’s electronic submission portal; and oversee pre-award compliance.

• Budget Development and management – Works with faculty on budgets for internal and external funding proposals. Manages and provides oversight for institutional funds/awards by assisting researchers with budget development for seed applications and sponsored programs, initiating contracts, hiring personnel, and completing purchasing tasks. Manages budgets for Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Serves as Budget Director and collaborates with Finance during the annual budgeting process to ensure proper allocations and rollover. Contribute to training opportunities for faculty to build research skills. 

• Research Funding Management – Ensure consistency throughout research and award life cycle across the IRB, pre- and post-award processes, and other research administration areas.   

• Performs other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need. 

Requirements

Education:

• Required: Master’s degree 

Experience:

• Required: 4-6 years

• Required: Experience in academic research administration

Desired Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Skill in effective communication (both written and oral); skill in independent decision making; skill in installation, repair, and maintenance of network and/or computer hardware, software, and peripherals; skill in problem solving; skill in public speaking; skill in coordinating and monitoring the work of others; knowledge of administrative procedures and practices; knowledge of advising and counseling practices; knowledge of computer and network operating systems; knowledge of customer service principles and practices; and knowledge of project management principles, processes, and techniques

To ensure full consideration submit:

• A letter of introduction outlining background and qualifications for the position

• Detailed curriculum vitae

• Contact information for three professional references

The job announcement above is not the full job description but represents the job responsibilities and requirements. A full job description can be provided upon request.

PNWU offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees first of the month following date of hire and competitive salary.

Benefit Package (benefit eligible is at least .5 FTE):

• Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 403b with Roth Option
• Paid Holidays

For information about life in Yakima visit our PNWU page.

PNWU is a drug-free workplace, equal opportunity employer and educational institution. To request this publication in an alternative format, or to apply in an alternative format, please call Human Resources, 509.452.5100.