Managing Director of Sponsored Research and Compliance

CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU

JOB DESCRIPTION

MISSION STATEMENT

Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. The University offers both the civic and church communities of the Pacific region its academic and intellectual resources in the pursuit of common aims.

Position Information

Title: Managing Director of Sponsored Research & Compliance

Division: Provost

Department: Academic Affairs

Exempt

Full Time

EAM II

Position Summary

The Director of Sponsored Research & Compliance is a key leadership role responsible for coordinating and enhancing the organization's sponsored research programs and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and policies. This position involves managing research grants, fostering collaborations, and upholding the highest ethical standards in research practices. This position is additionally responsible to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure ongoing grant writing, pre- and post-award faculty development. 

Reports to:

Direct Report to: Janet Davidson

Indirect Report to: Lance Askildson

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Sponsored Research Management

• Coordinator the development and execution of strategies to secure external research funding and grants.
• Oversee the pre-award and post-award administration of research grants, contracts, and agreements.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to identify funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and manage grant budgets.
• Ensure that all research activities comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations and ethical standards.

Compliance Monitoring

• Monitor and assess compliance with research regulations, funding agency requirements, and internal policies.
• Conduct internal audits and investigations related to research misconduct or non-compliance.
• Ensure timely reporting and resolution of compliance issues.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and submit reports on sponsored research activities, outcomes, and compliance to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate records of grant submissions, awards, expenditures, and research-related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with reporting deadlines and requirements of funding agencies.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Foster relationships and collaborations with external partners, funding agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Promote interdisciplinary research initiatives and support faculty in forming research teams and consortia.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and networking opportunities for researchers.

Disclaimer

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive.  Details relating to both essential and non-essential functions of the job are not precise and are only an approximation, which can vary on a day-to-day basis and are subject to change on an as-needed basis and/or in the sole discretion of supervisory management.

Education and Experience

Minimum

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Two (2) years of documented experience in higher education and/or contracting with progressively professional experience.
• Experience in sponsored research management, including grant writing and administration.

Preferred 

• Ph.D or terminal degree in a relevant field preferred

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Exceptional organizational and time management with demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, prioritize, and effectively execute multiple initiatives, programs, and events, and meet established deadlines. 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels. 
• In-depth knowledge of research compliance regulations, policies, and best practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in leading and developing a research administration team.
• Project management software and database, and proficient in MS Office software and Google Suite applications. 
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain flexible when presented with rapidly changing requests, priorities, and/or deadlines. 
• Ability to effectively organize, plan, and manage teams and crews with various tasks and multiple deadlines. 
• Skill in leadership qualities, including motivation, supervision, delegation, planning and assessment. 
• Ability to work with confidential and sensitive information and records. 

Physical Requirements 

Duties involve light work in an office and community setting and requires a minimum of physical effort with intermittent sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking inclines. Must be able to lift 20 pounds, walk the campus with ease, and have excellent motor skills.  Must have finger dexterity. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.

Other Requirements

• This is a full time, exempt position. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on the project cycles and workflow demands of the department, additional hours or workday schedule changes may be occasionally required.  Must be willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends and have a varying schedule when required.
• Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required.
• Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with safe work procedures and policies of the University. Reports unsafe acts/conditions and injuries in a timely and proper manner.
• The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies while employed. The policies can be found at https://chaminade.edu/compliance/resources/ or on the employee Share Portal.

Marianist Identity/Native Hawaiian & Pacific Island Serving

An expressed willingness to respect and support the Catholic and Marianist identity of Chaminade University of Honolulu and to perform all duties in a manner consistent with Marianist educational values and mission of the University.  Understanding of and respect for the University’s designation as an institution that serves students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry.

Grant Funded Position:

This position is funded completely or in part by funds received from a grant.  Funds received from the grant are expected to stop on September 30, 2026. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program and/or operational needs of the University and the availability of grant funds.