Senior Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI
•Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Position Purpose: Coordinate sponsored program administrative functions for a School/College/Division or other unit with large, complex sponsored projects. This includes fiscal and administrative review of sponsored grant and contract proposals; review and processing of agreements; and the management and processing of financial transactions. Position duties require knowledge of and experience in University accounting and budgeting and sponsored program administration.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business or Public Administration or related field and considerable experience in grant and contract administration; or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in any field and optimal experience in grant and contract administration.
  • Considerable accounting experience, with majority in sponsored project budgeting and accounting.
  • Considerable experience in proposal preparation for both federal and other sponsored funding sources.
  • Considerable experience in use of University information systems (e.g. Banner) and software used to track, analyze and present data (e.g. spreadsheets, charts, graphs).
  • Experience in analysis of data and development of related reports and presentations.
  • Reasonable supervisory experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently manage a variety of projects while ensuring appropriate tracking, quality control, follow-up and multiple deadlines are met.
  • Reasonable knowledge and understanding of implementing business process improvements.
  • Ability to interpret, explain and apply complex rules, regulations and policies.
  • Incumbents will typically have previous University experience as a Grant/Contract Administrator, Grant/Contract Officer or as a senior level Budget Analyst, Accountant or Administrative Assistant in a unit with significant sponsored project activity.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate both the pre and post award aspects of the sponsored project administration process for complex, multifaceted sponsored program proposals and other unit proposals for a School/College/Division or other unit1 to ensure compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
  • Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities and in preparing proposals to promote research and other sponsored grant activity.
  • Review proposal budgets and narratives for compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable requirements; submit proposals to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) to obtain required approvals.
  • Review awarded grants and contracts in collaboration with SPA for fiscal and contractual content; review accompanying budgets for variance from proposal and to ensure funds are established appropriately in the University accounting system.
  • Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations; Assist faculty with budget transfers and project period extension requests; Monitor monthly payroll lists and authorize new accounts or payroll extensions; Review and coordinate close-out documents for sponsored projects.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty and other staff within the unit by providing information and guidance on appropriate use of sponsored project funds.
  • Serve as a primary liaison between principal investigators and SPA to identify and resolve problems as well as answer inquiries regarding University or funding agency guidelines, policies and procedures.
  • Provide direct management over research funding.
  • Develop and maintain databases for unit specific information utilizing University information systems.
  • Perform financial analysis and prepare reports for School, College, Division or Department and central University administration on sponsored proposal, award, and expenditure activity.
  • Update and maintain reference material on research funding sources.
  • Supervise non-exempt clerical and accounting support staff including assignment of duties, training in policies and procedures and monitoring performance.
  • Perform other related work as assigned.
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