Assistant Director, Post-Award Administration

Department
BSD ADM - Research Administration
About the Department
The University of Chicago is an intellectual community and a globally renowned research institution dedicated to fostering innovative and impactful research in various domains, including the Biological Sciences. The Biological Sciences Division is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and the Research Administration Office plays a pivotal role in supporting and facilitating the faculty who conduct research.
Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Post-Award is a crucial role responsible for overseeing the effective management of post-award activities for sponsored research projects within the Biological Sciences Division. This position involves providing mentorship and training opportunities to a team of post-award administrators, implementing policies and standard operating procedures, optimizing post-award processes, as well as providing guidance and expertise to faculty, staff and administrators on post-award matters.
Responsibilities
Leadership:

• Reporting to the Director of Post-Award, the Assistant Director will supervise and lead a team of post-award administrators, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration within the team.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback.

Implementation:

• Work with the Director of Post-Award to implement post-award policies and standard operating procedures in alignment with institutional guidelines and federal regulations.
• Regularly review and update policies to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and streamline and optimize post-award processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Support & Advocacy:

• Offer expertise and support to help navigate complex grant scenarios where guidance and advocacy is needed.
• Review reporting to provide oversight and identify potential issues and propose solutions.
• Advocate for the Division's post-award needs within and outside the institution.
• Engage with funding agencies and other stakeholders to represent the Division's interests.

Training Initiatives:

• Work with the Director of Post-Award to develop and deliver training programs on post-award processes, policies, and compliance requirements.
• Stay informed about changes in regulations and disseminate relevant information to the post-award team.
• Stay current with industry best practices and incorporate them into training modules.
• Remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Plans for department/unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in research administration, with a focus on post-award management strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of federal regulations and compliance requirements related to sponsored research (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR).
• Previous experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial management and reporting software.
• Ability to work collaboratively and provide exceptional customer service.
• Commitment to the University of Chicago's mission and values.

Working Conditions

• Office Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
People Manager
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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