Associate Director Pre Award - Sponsored Programs

Job Summary This position works under minimal supervision to provide advanced administrative guidance and direction for the functions of pre‑award proposal administration within the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration. The incumbent develops and enhances SPA’s "team approach" with Principal Investigators, department administrators, and other Medical Center staff. The role oversees the pre‑award proposal function, managing large research portfolios with heavy deadlines, and ensures all submissions are timely. The person serves as a subject matter expert on grants and research agreements, participates in the rollout of a new ERP system, and supports the Director of Pre‑Award. Experience and Education Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or equivalent. 7+ years progressively responsible experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity. Preferred: Certified Research Administrator Certification. Job Duties Directs and coordinates proposal activities for Sponsored Programs Administration. Leads, manages, and oversees timely submission of research grant proposals to external sponsors, coordinating with financial leadership to meet obligations. Recommends changes, reviews progress, approves proposals, and maintains procedures for electronic processing, routing, submission, and tracking of grants and awards. Oversees the day‑to‑day work of the non‑industry agreements team to negotiate, review, and ensure regulatory compliance of sub‑award agreements. Leads and coordinates efforts with Information Resources to support personnel in developing and managing electronic grant proposal routing systems, databases, web pages, and related metrics. Reviews and recommends educational and training programs for faculty and staff on proposal development, routing, and submission. Manages utilization of resources to maintain maximum efficiency and meet performance objectives for research growth. Provides operational leadership and oversight of SPA’s day‑to‑day operations. Has signing authority for grants and contracts. Collaborates with UTSW Deans, Vice Presidents, Directors, and senior leadership to secure support for administrative actions impacting sponsored awards. Continuously reviews data to improve operating metrics and service levels, identifying and recommending system enhancements. Coordinates AVP‑SPA operations with other executive leadership and research administrators. Maintains liaison relationships with federal, state, local, and private sponsors on matters related to sponsored programs administration. Develops and enhances SPA’s "team approach" with Principal Investigators, department administrators, and other Medical Center staff. Coaches, develops, and works with the team to strengthen subject‑area knowledge. Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Participates in audits related to research funding and prepares deliverables. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate. Oversees subordinate managers, establishing priorities and fostering staff development. Performs other duties as assigned. Benefits PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full‑time employee‑only coverage. 100% coverage for preventive healthcare—no copay. Paid Time Off, available day one. Retirement programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS). Paid parental leave benefit. Wellness programs. Tuition reimbursement. Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer. Security and EEO Statement This position is security‑sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information. UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal‑opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status. Location and Job Information Primary Location: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX. Job Type: Full‑time, Day Job, Regular, Standard. Schedule: Full‑time. #J-18808-Ljbffr UT Southwestern Medical Center