University of Chicago

Assistant Director of Post Award

University of Chicago$100K — $130K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required
  • 7+ years of experience in research administration or related discipline
  • Master's degree in finance or business administration preferred
  • Strong knowledge of federal regulations related to sponsored research
  • Proven leadership experience in managing teams

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and lead a team of post-award administrators
  • Mentor team members and provide professional development
  • Implement post-award policies aligned with institutional guidelines
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement
  • Provide guidance and advocacy in complex grant scenarios
  • Engage with funding agencies and stakeholders to represent the Division
  • Develop and deliver training on post-award processes and compliance

Benefits

  • Health insurance offerings
  • Retirement plans
  • Paid time off
  • Access to employee resources and support programs
  • Comprehensive benefits program as outlined in the Benefits Guidebook
Full Job Description
Department
BSD ADM - Post Award - Team C

Job Summary
The job manages a team of professional staff responsible to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.

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 a well as providing guidance and expertise to faculty, staff and administrators on post-award matters.

Responsibilities

Leadership:
  • Reporting to the Director of Post-Award, the Assistant Director will 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.


Implementation:
  • Work with the Director of Post-Award to 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.


Support & Advocacy:
  • 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.


Training Initiatives:
  • Work with the Director of Post-Award to 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:
  • Master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred.


Experience:
  • Extensive experience in research administration, with a focus on post-award management strongly preferred.


Preferred Competencies
  • 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.


Working Conditions
  • Office environment.


Application Documents
  • Resume (required)
  • Cover Letter (optional)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Financial Management

Role Impact
People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$100,000.00 - $130,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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