Director, Sponsored Programs, Clemson University

The Opportunity

Clemson University invites applications and nominations for the Director of Sponsored Programs, a pivotal leadership role at the center of a thriving and increasingly sophisticated research enterprise. The Director leads, manages, and facilitates pre-award research administration to advance Clemson’s research goals and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors, the Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Sponsored Programs, working closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to support external funding while ensuring compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and university regulations and policies. The role coordinates pre-award activities in close partnership with research compliance and post-award functions, ensuring a seamless and integrated research administration ecosystem.

This is a rare opportunity to lead pre-award research administration at a Carnegie R1 land-grant university with strong momentum in sponsored funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry engagement. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to senior research leadership and faculty, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence while strengthening policies, advancing systems and processes, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture that supports researchers throughout the proposal and award lifecycle.

The successful candidate will join Clemson at a time of continued growth and investment in research infrastructure. This role offers the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide practices, lead complex negotiations as the University’s Authorized Organizational Representative, develop and mentor a high-performing team, and help position Clemson for sustained competitiveness in an increasingly complex federal and sponsor funding environment.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting Clemson University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted. Inquiries and nominations should be directed towards Julie Holley and Ann Bailey with Greenwood Asher & Associates.

Julie Holley
Associate Vice President of Executive Search
☎️(850) 687-5104
📥 julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com

Ann Bailey
Associate Vice President of Executive Search
☎️(850) 830-5169
📥 annbailey@greenwoodsearch.com

Application materials should include:

• A letter of interest that clearly states the applicant’s qualifications for the position

• A current curriculum vitae/resume

Please submit full application packets (cover letter and CV/resume) at:
Clemson University – Director of Sponsored Programs Application

For best consideration, please submit materials by March 20, 2026

Clemson University has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. To ensure full implementation of this equal opportunity policy, we will take steps to ensure that: Persons are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to disability, protected veteran’s status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.