Senior Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University • Detroit, MI

5d • $61,906 - $74,290 • 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.

What This Job Offers

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