Director of Sponsored Programs

Director of Sponsored Programs

Department: Department of the Air Force

Location(s): Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio

Salary Range: $104303 - $209600 Per Year

Job Summary: The primary purpose of this position is to facilitate all aspects of the external sponsorship of research and educational programs in support of AFIT's mission

Major Duties:

• Performs the following duties in the Office of Research and Outreach, Sponsored Programs Office, Air Force Institute of Technology: External Research Sponsorship Facilitates all aspects of the external sponsorship of research and educational programs in support of AFIT's mission. Integrates the "pre-award" project activities of Sponsored Programs within the Office of Research and Outreach (AFIT/CZ). Reviews/submits research proposals and oversees technology transfer functions, including Cooperative Research and Development agreements. Integrates the "post-award" activities of Sponsored Programs. Leads Resource Advisors to execute sponsor funds and manage project financial accounts. Develops and manages the Sponsored Programs Business Plan, including annual establishment of incremental direct cost rates and regular review of funding execution. Represents AFIT at regional and national meetings of institutional directors of sponsored research and programs to gather and disseminate information regarding best professional practices. Coordinates with other AFIT offices including personnel, academic affairs, and financial management to facilitate sponsor funding of 10-month civilian faculty intersessionals, research overhires, and other matters. Negotiates details of non-standard Interagency Agreements, Support Agreements, and other agreements, ensuring appropriate legal review of all actions. Responds to requests for sponsor program information from federal and state higher education agencies in addition to Air Force entities, integrating data from multiple EN and AFIT offices. Technology Transfer Ensures faculty and staff are instructed on topics including technology transfer procedures, proposal preparation, use of electronic research administration tools, budget management and compliance issues such as Institutional Research Board requirements for human subjects research. Ensures the patent and agreements of AFIT's Office of Research and Technology Application are conducted consistent with AFI 61-301, The Domestic Technology Transfer Process, and the Offices of Research and Technology Applications which include development and execution of Technology Transfer (T2) mechanisms including: Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with nonfederal agencies, Education Partnership Agreements (EPAs), Information Transfer Agreements (ITAs), Commercial Transfer Agreements (CTAs), patent licensing agreements, joint ownership agreements, modifications, amendments and agreement termination. Service and Administration Provides advice to AFIT faculty and staff regarding CZ policies and procedures and directs questions to the appropriate subject matter expert as needed for resolution. Develop ad hoc reports for Senior Leadership and attends the Graduate School of Engineering and Management Department Heads meeting as needed. Supports CZ by reviewing and making recommendations on CZ tools such as the CZ website, SharePoint, Research Report and other products. Engages in pre-award including providing guidance and instruction to more junior CZ staff, as well as advising staff on T2 intersectionality with pre-and post-award activities. Oversees the quality and timeliness of the annual report and annual research report. Ensures the preparation, publishing and distribution of an annual report of research and related Graduate School of Engineering and Management activities to communicate the value of AFIT research contributions and opportunities for collaboration. Exercises supervisory personnel management responsibilities Advises and provides counsel to employees regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management. Selects or recommends selection of candidates for vacancies, promotions, details, and reassignment in consideration of skills, qualifications, and mission requirements. Develops, modifies, and/or interprets performance standards. Explains performance expectations to employees and provides regular feedback on strengths and weaknesses. Holds employees responsible for satisfactory completion of work assignments. Appraises subordinate workers performance ensuring consistency and equity in rating techniques. Recommend awards when appropriate and approves within-grade increases. Hears and resolves employee complaints and refers serious unresolved complaints to higher level management. Initiates action to correct performance or conduct problems. Effects minor disciplinary measures such as warnings and reprimands and recommends action in more serious disciplinary matters. Prepares documentation to support actions taken. Identifies employee developmental needs and provides or arranges for training (formal and on-the-job) to maintain and improve job performance. Encourages self-development. Approves master leave schedule assuring adequate coverage for peak workloads and traditional holiday vacation time. Demonstrates sensitivity to ideas of subordinates.

Qualifications: REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: An earned Master's degree Minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory, or team lead role Ability to communicate clearly and expertly (in English) in both verbal and written forms concerning academic, administrative, and technical subject matters. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Relevant doctoral degree, Successful leadership of large multi-functional teams with million-dollar budgets, Experience preparing successful research proposals, Ten or more years' experience in an academic and/or federal environment directly relevant to the position duties Faculty experience at a regionally accredited institution of higher education Knowledge of current sponsored program management and research compliance trends Experience responding effectively to changing conditions Ability to maintain positive working relationships with diverse personnel PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

How to Apply: The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/03/2026. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12899621 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. A complete application package will include a letter of application (cover letter), curriculum vitae, statement of citizenship, legible copies of ALL transcripts. A Masters degree is required before employment begins, but ALL transcripts must be provided for ALL degrees being pursued or obtained as stated in your curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references (to include names, complete mailing addresses, and telephone numbers) are required. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your professional work is highly desired. An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application. Your Resume: Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. If you submit more than one Resume, only the most recent (latest) will be reviewed to determine your qualifications. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. For qualification determination your Resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your Resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series, and grade, i.e., GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your Resume/Curriculum Vitae. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume. Your Curriculum Vitae: Professional Accomplishments: Include research, consultations, publications, and awards. Service Accomplishments: Include membership, leadership roles, nature of service and contribution in collegial and/or professional organizations, societies, etc. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the curriculum vitae you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy. Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name. If you are claiming veterans' preference, please provide basic eligibility information in your cover letter. Also include in your application a copy of your DD-214 (Member Copy 4) and, if disabled, a completed SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference), along with a letter for federal employment from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicating your service-connected disability rating. IF APPLICABLE: An active duty military member's statement of service/certification letter will be accepted in lieu of a DD-214. The statement/certification letter can be obtained from your servicing military personnel office and must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters and must indicate your rank, dates of active duty service, and type of discharge/character of service (i.e. honorable). Your preference and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military separation, if member is on terminal leave, and if applicable, with the appropriate 180-day approved waiver.

Application Deadline: 2026-04-03