Job Description

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) 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. Reporting to the Executive Director of OSP, this 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 across Research Management & Compliance, Grants and Contracts Accounting, Research Analytics & Data, ORIS, Financial Services, and academic units 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. The position is responsible for managing operational staff and workflows, supporting implementation of institutional and sponsor requirements, improving coordination across operational teams, developing metrics and reporting frameworks, and driving continuous process improvement initiatives. This role also provides leadership in operational planning, systems governance, and service delivery to support the long‑term scalability and effectiveness of the University’s research administration infrastructure. This is a hybrid work opportunity. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu 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 Operational Management & Workflow 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, sub‑recipient 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. Additional Information The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581‑7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post‑retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366‑7770 or (800) 695‑4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581‑7447 if you have questions regarding the post‑retirement rules. This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education. Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities. Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy‑related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page. Online reports may be submitted at This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security‑related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South. As per University of Utah policy 5‑108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12‑month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period. #J-18808-Ljbffr

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