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Director of Sponsored Programs

Department of the Air Force
Department of the Air Force - Agency Wide
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT/CZS)

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

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/04/2026 to 04/03/2026
Salary
$104,303 to - $209,600 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 25
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - 3 Years; May be extended or made indefinite
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
AFMC-12899621-AFIT-9X-KDB
Control number
859785100

Duties

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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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship is required
  • Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
  • Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required.
  • Employee must maintain current certifications.
  • Selectee may be subject to serve a one-year trial period.
  • Candidates are not required to have active-duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
  • The selected candidate will be subject to a security investigation leading to successful completion of a background investigation with a favorable adjudication. The selectee's failure to meet this requirement will be grounds for termination.
  • Essential qualities expected of every faculty member include the personal attributes of integrity, industry, cooperation, initiative, and breadth of intellectual interests.
  • Initial appointment is under Schedule A appointing authority, Excepted Appointment Not-to-Exceed 3-years. The appointment cannot be converted to a permanent tenure in the competitive service.
  • At the time of the expiration of the initial appointment an employee who adequately demonstrates professional competence can be extended in increments up to 5 years or made indefinite.
  • An initial appointment can be allowed to expire for an employee who does not adequately demonstrate professional competence.
  • Current Federal employees on a permanent or indefinite appointment may be required to have a minimum of 3-day break in service if selected.
  • This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is an Administratively Determined position in the excepted service.
  • Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
  • Permanent Change in Station (PCS) cost is not authorized.
  • This position may require drug testing and the candidate may be subject to passing a drug test upon selection.
  • Incumbent may be required to travel by commercial or military conveyance (or other means of travel) to perform temporary duty.
  • Additional duties supporting the academic and administrative aspects of a military school can be assigned by school and/or university leaders.

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.

Education

This position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcripts with the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Late applications from veterans will not be accepted for faculty positions. Late applications for veterans only apply when filling positions in the competitive service.

As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. For additional information click here.

Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.

Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.

Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service of at least three (3) calendar days may be required prior to appointment to the position.

Application materials become the property of AFIT and WILL NOT be returned.

Applications submitted under this announcement will be considered ONLY for this vacancy.

If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS began restricting all resumes to two pages in length.

Applicants possessing the required qualifications as contained within this announcement will be evaluated and ranked by a Faculty-Rating Panel based on the extent to which their experience and education relate to the requirements of the position. A personal interview and presentation to the faculty may be required of the top applicants.

Applicants will be assessed based on their teaching credentials, scholarship, service, and education. Your application package (curriculum vitae, transcripts, supporting documents, etc.) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully.

An incomplete package will result in non-consideration of your application.

Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae and a statement of interest that addresses the ways in which the applicant's qualifications meet the requirements of the ad to include evidence of teaching excellence and promise of research productivity. Additional documents are required to complete your application package, please reference the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" section for more information.

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