The primary responsibility of the Sponsored Programs Assistant Director is to lead the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts, subcontracts, and related documents that align with the strategic goals of Michigan State University (MSU) and its for-profit research partners. This includes ensuring full compliance with university policies, business practices, and applicable legal and regulatory standards. This position plays a critical role in cultivating and managing corporate partnerships that advance MSU’s research and innovation agenda. It requires regular collaboration with internal units responsible for regulatory oversight, financial management, and sponsored program administration. This role oversees a team dedicated to contract development and execution, ensuring that proposal management and accounting systems are effectively integrated to support research objectives. Through direct engagement with for-profit sponsors and subcontractors, and close coordination with University Principal Investigators and research administrators, the position secures agreements that are both mutually beneficial and compliant, supporting the long-term success of MSU’s research mission. This hybrid role requires a minimum of two in-office days per week and may involve occasional travel to off-site locations. Regular communication is expected with faculty, research administrators, and internal compliance partners, as well as external legal representatives from partnering organizations. The Sponsored Programs Assistant Director reports directly to the Executive Director of MSU Business Connect.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Contract and Sub-Contract Management – 35%
Exercise oversight and signature authority for all Sponsored Programs and Fee-for-Service Activity contracts and subcontracts negotiated and executed by MSU Business-Connect (MOBP § 315 I & II).
Lead contract negotiations in collaboration with Principal Investigator faculty and unit Research Administrators, focusing on strategic relationship management with for-profit entities.
Review and interpret contract and subcontract terms for all for-profit Sponsored Programs and Fee for Service Activity to ensure projects and collaborations are both sound business opportunities and compliant with university policies. Regulatory and Financial Compliance Interface – 25%
Serve as liaison with key University offices to ensure compliance in contract and subcontract execution (OSP, CGA, ORRS, ORI, Controller’s Office, Provost Office, OGC, UA).
Act as primary contact for Assistant Vice Presidents, Directors, and Assistant Directors in developing and executing University-wide research administration training materials and courses. Supervision and Leadership – 20%
Supervise two team members involved in contract and administrative processes:
Legal professional supporting contract review and negotiation.
Pre-award/award process manager interfacing with research administrators and post-award accounting (CGA).Executive Level Contract Support – 15%
Deliver support in contract negotiation and final execution to the Business-Connect executive leadership team, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance standards. Professional Development – 5%
Pursue continuing education opportunities, especially in the areas of Clinical Trial best practices, regulatory requirements, and University contract negotiation trends.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency with use of a computer, MS Office suite, Adobe, video conferencing software (Zoom, Teams).
Soft Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, negotiation, collaboration, leadership skills, adaptability, organizational skills, ability to balance competing priorities and multiple deadlines.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Accounting, Business or Administration.
Experience:
Five to eight years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in contract negotiation, supervision and management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
Preferred Education: A Juris Doctor with subsequent professional experience in contract law.
Preferred Experience:
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in contract negotiation and execution, preferably in the area of university-for-profit relations and clinical trials. Evidence of creative solutions in complex negotiations and experience in negotiating; A broad understanding of typical productive contract terms in university-for-profit partnerships; experience and success as a manager of professionals engaged in contract review and execution.
Physical Demands:
Mobility: The ability to travel off-site occasionally as required in alignment with business need. Lifting: Minimal lifting required, ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Working Conditions:
Work is completed within an office environment, and home office setting with occasional travel to off-site locations. Other Demands: Standing, sitting for extended periods, dexterity, vision sufficient to read documents in both paper and electronic formats, hearing necessary for effective communication with colleagues and external partners.
