Sponsored Programs Administrator

Posted Friday, July 18, 2025

**VMI EMPLOYEE ONLY**

Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is accepting on-line applications for a Sponsored Programs Administrator (SPA) from current VMI employees.  Working under the supervision of the Associate Dean for Academic Administration and Planning, the SPA will be responsible for assisting in the procurement of extramural support for emerging research and academic programs.  The ideal candidate will have proven administrative and communication skills, as well as experience in applying for extramural grants.  Specific responsibilities are as follows: 

• Work with faculty, academic departments, and the Director of Innovation Programming to identify fundable research and program ideas and to locate sources of funding for these activities;
• Assist faculty and staff in preparing and submitting grant proposals including budget development, compliance review, and adherence to standards of best practice;
• Work closely with the VMI Foundation’s staff to coordinate sponsored program/fund raising activities;
• Develop working relationships with private and government funding agencies, and seek funding from these agencies in support of the Institute mission;
• Serve as the administrator for Institute-administered grants and research contracts;

• Review all extramural research proposals, and make recommendations to the Director of Research and to the Associate Dean for Academic Administration and Planning as to approval/disapproval;

• Work with the VMI Research Laboratories and its Director of Research as required on matters related to grant proposal submission and project management;
• Work with the Government Relations Director and others in support of economic development initiatives;
• Develop informational sessions, workshops, and outreach programming related to the pursuit of external funding;

• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Administration and Planning.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree (Master’s degree preferred), preferably in business administration or related field;
• Intermediate skill level in all Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.);
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact and work effectively with a wide variety of constituencies, such as academic leadership, faculty members, foundation personnel, and federal and state officials;  
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills;
• Strong online research skills;
• 3-5 years experience in grant writing/sponsored program administration and demonstrated experience in preparing proposals for NIH, NSF and/or other federal funding agencies preferred;
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Certification preferred but not required.

This is a full-time, 12-month position with a generous benefits package.  Competitive starting annual salary is based on qualifications and experience.  Apply on-line at: Sponsored Programs Administrator- Job Application

Candidates should include a cover letter, resume and the names and telephone numbers of three professional references.   Review of applications will begin on July 25, 2025, but on-line applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

VMI is a nationally ranked public, undergraduate liberal arts college offering majors and minors in engineering, the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.  Enrolling approximately 1,600 cadets, VMI is located in Lexington, Virginia, in the historic Shenandoah Valley.  For more information about VMI, please visit our Web site at http://www.vmi.edu.  

VMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against anyone because of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, age, or disability. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are also encouraged to apply. VMI will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment, educational opportunities, programs and services.

Contact:
Human Resources
hroffice@vmi.edu
540-464-7322