Associate Director, Operations

Associate Director, Operations Job Summary The Associate Director for Operations provides senior leadership and operational oversight for the Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) at the University of Utah. The position is responsible for coordinating and advancing core operational functions that support the University’s research enterprise, including post‑award administration, business operations, workflow management, compliance implementation, systems coordination, administrative infrastructure, and cross‑unit operational alignment. This role serves as a key operational leader within OSP and works closely with institutional partners to support consistent, efficient, and compliant research administration processes. The Associate Director helps ensure operational stability, service quality, and organizational readiness in an increasingly complex and highly regulated research environment. This is a hybrid work opportunity. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Operational Oversight Team Management and Workforce Development (team of 5+) Post‑Award Processing & Support for Faculty and Sponsors Research Administration systems governance Administrative Infrastructure Cross‑unit Collaboration Operational Management & Workflow Staff Leadership & Development Metrics, Reporting & Continuous Improvement Minimum Qualifications EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Associate Director, Business Operations Analysis Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 10 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 8 years of directly related work experience. Preferences Significant experience in academic research administration, sponsored projects administration, or closely related higher education operational environments. Demonstrated experience leading operational, post‑award, or compliance‑sensitive functions within a complex research enterprise. Experience supervising professional staff and managing high‑volume operational workflows in a service‑oriented environment. Working knowledge of federal sponsored project regulations and frameworks, including Uniform Guidance, subrecipient monitoring, cost principles, audit requirements, and sponsor compliance expectations. Experience working with research administration systems and enterprise platforms, including electronic research administration (eRA) systems, workflow tools, financial systems, and reporting environments. Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional coordination among administrative, financial, compliance, and research support offices. Experience developing or implementing operational process improvements, governance frameworks, metrics, service standards, or continuous improvement initiatives. Strong organizational, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to navigate complex institutional environments and manage competing priorities. Experience supporting VA‑related research administration activities, intergovernmental personnel agreements (IPAs), or other complex institutional collaborations is preferred. Advanced degree and/or professional certification related to research administration, business operations, compliance, public administration, or a related field is preferred. Location and Compensation Location: Campus Full Time schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday Pay Rate Range: $90,000 – $125,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr