Assistant Director of Post Award

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

17h • $100,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• College or university degree in a related field.
• 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in research administration, with a focus on post-award management.

Responsibilities

• 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 the team.
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.
• Develops performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree