Director of Grants and Contracts Financial Administration

Buffkin / Baker•Stillwater, OK

About The Position

Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of Grants and Contracts Financial Administration. Oklahoma State University Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university, fostering student success through a blend of tradition and innovation. OSU’s goal is to become the preeminent land-grant institution in the country through a bold university strategy. Classified as a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) university, its leaders are advancing the institution further by supporting excellence across the tripartite mission of student instruction, groundbreaking research, and extending the university’s knowledge and expertise to the communities we serve. OSU has more than 35,000 students and employs more than 7,000 faculty and staff across its system, with students from all 50 states and more than 100 nations. OSU has five campuses: Stillwater, which includes the College of Veterinary Medicine; OSU-Tulsa; OSU-Oklahoma City; OSU Institute of Technology in Okmulgee; and the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa. OSU also boasts 16 agricultural experiment stations and 77 county extension offices across the state. The City of Stillwater provides the perfect setting for a comprehensive research university and is important in attracting top faculty members because of the environment the community provides for OSU employees and their families. With a population of more than 48,000, Stillwater is the quintessential college town. It is the tenth largest city in Oklahoma and is conveniently located between the two largest cities in the state, Oklahoma City and Tulsa. As Stillwater's largest employer, OSU is committed to working with business and city leaders to provide economic development opportunities in Stillwater. The city has a diverse economy with a foundation in aerospace, agribusiness, biotechnology, optoelectronics, printing and publishing, and software and standard manufacturing. Stillwater has been named one of the "6th Fastest Growing Small Towns in America" by Forbes.com and one of the top 100 places to live by CNN/Money Magazine. The Director of Grants and Contracts Financial Administration Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance, the successful candidate will direct the financial administration of the University's grants and contracts function. Leading a team of 15, the Director will coordinate financial accounting and post-award administrative procedures and training for University-sponsored programs which ensure compliance with all applicable University policies and procedures and state and federal statutes and regulations. The Director will be responsible for providing University-wide leadership in grants and contracts activities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in accounting, business, or higher education and five years of managerial level experience in fiscal affairs operation with three years of sponsored programs or federal funding participation. A Bachelor’s degree may be considered with seven years of higher education experience with continually progressive managerial experience.
Effective interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
The ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, and federal, state, and private sponsors.
Extensive knowledge of federal grant programs.

Nice To Haves

Five years experience in a university's sponsored programs administrative unit.
Experience and leadership with external advocacy groups such as NCURA, COGR, NACUBO, or other organizations serving the sponsored program community.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) licensure.

Responsibilities

Direct the financial administration of the University's grants and contracts function.
Coordinate financial accounting and post-award administrative procedures and training for University-sponsored programs which ensure compliance with all applicable University policies and procedures and state and federal statutes and regulations.
Provide University-wide leadership in grants and contracts activities.
Coordinate the compliance audit for all institutional audits.
Coordinate all audits associated with grants and contracts including fringe benefit proposal as well as agency desk audits or compliance reviews of sponsored program activity.
Coordinate and respond to tasks delegated by the Associate Vice President.
Manage the Office of Grants and Contracts Financial Administration.
Create and maintain an efficient, effective, and harmonious working environment which serves the needs of employees and meets the institution's commitment to continuing professional education.
Serve as liaison for the University regarding the shared services grant programs.
Support the Post-Award financial administration for University Branch Campuses and A&M Institutions as applicable.
Evaluate options associated with the proper financial management of shared services' grant activities.
Review progress in the management of federal grants and contracts.
Assist in the coordination of audits associated with the Compliance audit and schedule of federal awards under shared services.
Develop and improve University policies.
Consistently formulate plans and strategies necessary to the attainment of financial goals within the organization as well as management of specific functions within the University.
Promote effective planning through the introduction of intermediate and long-term goals associated with sponsored programs administration. The planning process should include evaluation of existing methods and University policies and procedures of sponsored program administration to determine options available for alternative funding and efficiency of University processes.
Provide leadership guidance and direction to employees.
Hires qualified workers and ensures proper training and guidance on policies and procedures.
Gives positive reinforcement in a timely manner for job success and provides accountability for poor behaviors and performance.
Support succession planning of department for seamless transitions.
Communicates information regarding OSU's mission vision and goals so that employees may increase their contribution to the organization's success.