Post Award Manager

University of Colorado • Hybrid, CO

8d • $73,765 - $98,845 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Post Award Manager provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for post-award grant administration and financial management. The role ensures compliance with sponsor requirements, regulatory standards, and organizational policies; directs accurate grant financial reporting; resolves complex financial discrepancies; and implements process improvements to strengthen internal controls and financial stewardship. The Manager oversees General Ledger activity validation, grant-funded payroll allocations and transfers, budget modifications, and financial analyses. The role supervises post-award staff, provides support and guidance, and partners with executive leadership, principal investigators, program leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders to optimize grant operations, maximize funding utilization, and mitigate financial and compliance risks. The Manager leads operational planning and prioritization across a diverse grant portfolio and provides actionable insights and recommendations on complex financial and operational matters.

The position provides leadership for Emergency Medicine research policies and procedures, oversees day-to-day administrative operations and resource allocation, and directs post-award activities and fiscal management. It supports principal investigators and project teams, manages award administration and subcontract activity, oversees budgets and financial reporting, and helps ensure contractual and regulatory obligations are met. The role is hybrid for in-state candidates, with three days per week on campus in Aurora, Colorado and in-person attendance as needed; fully remote applicants located within the United States will also be considered. Travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 4–6 years of professional experience related to grants administration, fiscal oversight, and administrative management.
• A combination of education and related technical, military, or paraprofessional experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
• An advanced degree in a directly related field may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship; visa sponsorship or employment authorization will not be provided.
• Maintain required pre- and post-award university training.
• Demonstrated understanding of academic grant management, financial acumen, and research administration.
• Strong knowledge of federally funded research regulatory frameworks and compliance standards.
• Ability to manage complex projects and lead cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage complex federal grants with multiple subcontracts.
• Familiarity with academic research environments and collaborative science initiatives.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all institutional levels.
• Outstanding customer service skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Six or more years of high-level experience in academic and research grants management administration.
• Progressively responsible, diverse, and extensive experience in contract management, grants management, and financial management.
• Experience with complex federally funded research projects.
• Experience with financial and research leadership.
• Experience supervising multiple FTEs.
• Experience with CU financial platforms such as Concur and Marketplace.
• Experience with project and program management software, including Excel and Smartsheet.
• Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or Association of Clinical Research Professional (ACRP) certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and implementation of Emergency Medicine research policies and procedures, ensuring they are reviewed annually and updated as needed.
• Oversee day-to-day administrative operations and resource allocation.
• Serve as a communication conduit across post-award activities.
• Provide high-level administrative support to principal investigators, project leads, and co-investigators.
• Assist with strategic planning, communication, and execution of major project functions.
• Act as a liaison among Emergency Medicine leadership, project stakeholders, and project managers.
• Maintain documentation and reporting systems that support transparency and accountability.
• Partner with Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, and train team members.
• Direct workload across supervised positions and meet regularly with principal investigators and post-award staff to support objectives and correct processes and procedures.
• Administer awards and oversee post-award operations.
• Track program milestones, deliverables, and financial performance, and align financial resources with goals and program priorities.
• Oversee submissions of annual Research Performance Progress Reports.
• Collaborate with principal investigators to develop and manage annual budgets.
• Work with the post-award team on funding projections and spending.
• Monitor and review monthly expenditures and approve purchases and expenditures when required.
• Manage invoicing and ensure timely payments and reimbursements.
• Assist with preparation and submission of progress reports and financial summaries.
• Conduct financial forecasting, variance analysis, and scenario planning to support executive decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Oversee subcontract administration, including drafting, reviewing, and managing agreements and communicating with subcontracted entities.
• Lead audit preparation and ensure adherence to internal controls, grant requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Review and monitor research procurement activities for compliance with internal and external policies.
• Approve research purchase requests, ensure documentation is maintained, and monitor and approve high-value expenditures.
• Maintain cost controls and implement financial safeguards to optimize use of funds.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to promote transparency, accountability, and alignment across financial activities.
• Liaise among finance, program staff, and leadership to support strategic goals.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with multiple plan options.
• Dental insurance with multiple plan options.
• Disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Employer contribution of 10% of gross pay to the Retirement 401(a) Plan.
• Paid time off accruals.
• 22 vacation days per year, with a maximum accrual of 352 hours.
• 15 sick days per year, with unlimited maximum accrual.
• 15 holiday days per year.
• Tuition benefit available on all CU campuses.
• Reduced-rate RTD bus and light rail service through ECO Pass.
• Additional perks and programs through CU Advantage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager