Job Details

Associate Director for Post-Award, Finance, and Audit
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Position Number: 5108275
Location: Eugene, OR
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Associate Director for Post-Award, Finance, and Audit

Job no: 533529

Work type: Officer of Administration

Location: Eugene, OR

Categories: Accounting/Finance, Business Administration/Management, Executive/Management/Director

Department: Sponsored Projects Services
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Compensation Band: OS-OA10-Fiscal Year 2023-2024
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins

April 1, 2024; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

With your online application, please upload a resume and a cover letter describing how you meet the minimum requirements, professional competencies, and any preferred qualifications. You will also be asked to enter the names and contact information of three professional references; candidates will be notified prior to contacting references.

The position is full-time and based out of Eugene, Oregon, however remote or hybrid work requests will be considered.

Department Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) serves as an advocate and catalyst within the University of Oregon (UO) for expanding the range and impact of UO's research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. The OVPRI encompasses sponsored programs, research compliance, technology transfer, economic development, industry engagement, research-based ventures, and research development. OVPRI has administrative responsibility for numerous high-profile research centers and institutes and core research facilities, which provide opportunities for faculty across the university to collaborate on research efforts that are inherently interdisciplinary, and of significant societal importance. As a university that holds the distinction of a "very high research activity" ranking (R1) in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the UO is also one of only two Pacific Northwest members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Visit research.uoregon.edu to learn more.

Within OVPRI, Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) is a full-service central unit comprised of over 25 employees. SPS is team-based and customer service-oriented central office that works to ensure the smooth and compliant administration of approximately $175 million of sponsored awards annually. SPS provides pre-award and post-award services for sponsored projects and ensures that research administrators across the institution can directly support their units in a compliant, efficient, and service-oriented manner. Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) works with the University community -- faculty principal investigators (PIs), department grant administrators (DGAs), UO administrative officials, business managers, and affiliated organizations such as the UO Foundation -- to provide services in two main areas:

1) Proposal Preparation and Clearance -- from application materials and budget assistance to final review, official endorsement, and submission of proposals to funding agencies (public and private) for support of research, instruction, and public service projects.
2) Grant and Contract Administration -- review, negotiation, and acceptance of awards and account set up through the award's administration, financial reporting, and final closeout.

As part of an institutional commitment to support and streamline research support, SPS is part of developing a Research Administration Portal (RAP) and will be implementing Huron's research administration suite for effort reporting and award management starting in 2024.

The OVPRI is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we welcome, respect, and foster a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and/or LGBTQIA+ community members.

Position Summary

The Associate Director for Post-Award, Finance, and Audit works with the Assistant Vice President of Sponsored Projects Services (AVP) to provide vision, support, and leadership on all matters related to post-award administration of sponsored projects. This position will develop and maintain relationships within the UO research community, external sponsors (both federal and non-federal), and other key stakeholders, and will be expected to provide accurate and timely interpretation of state, federal, and other sponsor policies, rules, regulations, and requirements.

The Associate Director will serve as a key partner in the implementation of the Research Administration Portal (RAP) for effort reporting and award management. Additional core responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensuring all UO sponsored projects are managed in compliance with agency requirements.

Assisting with the development and implementation of UO policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure accountability and compliance with applicable sponsor regulations and requirements, coordinating efforts with other central UO offices as needed, and including fiscal reporting to the Executive Director and UO leadership.

Coordinating and responding to internal and external audits of award-related transactions and reporting.

Ensuring a culture of service balanced with compliance, actively moderating and resolving any customer concerns.

Assisting with the development of training as needed across a variety of research administration topics and serving as a post-award administration topics expert and resource.

Ensuring that processes are robust and optimized.

Managing, leading, and completing special projects and other duties as assigned.

The Associate Director reports to the AVP, and will act on their behalf in the event of their absence. This position will supervise the Post-Award Managers (award setup/contracting, management, and finance), and will oversee post-award functions including assignment and supervision of post-award personnel workload, ongoing evaluation and mentoring of post-award personnel, and assisting post-award personnel with workload as appropriate. This position will provide oversight and supervision of finance and award setup teams, including monitoring cash balances, overdrafts and collections, letter of credit draws, and related reporting.

Success for this position after 36 months would include increased engagement of research relationships and impact of University of Oregon research; better and more efficient support of sponsored projects through improved processes; and successful and smooth implementation of new grants management software (Huron's Research Suite). This person will provide leadership during the transition from our legacy system to the Huron research suite for pre-award and post-award. A successful transition will require change management in the operating unit and substantial outreach to the research community.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree OR an equivalent combination of skills and experience; AND

Ten years of progressively responsible experience within the field of sponsored programs administration with an emphasis on post-award financial management and internal controls.

Five years of supervisory experience including performance evaluation and hiring activity.
(Experience may be gained concurrently)

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Professional Competencies

Expertise with Banner or similar integrated fiscal/administrative information system.

Advanced knowledge of and abilities related to interpreting and applying sponsor requirements, including federal regulations such as uniform guidance (2 CFR 200), federal cost accounting standards, and other administrative rules.

Effective communication skills

Demonstrated leadership and mentorship skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree, preferably in research administration, finance, or other related field.

Experience in a central sponsored projects office in a higher education setting.

Experience in a team-based, professional setting.

Experience with project management of systems implementations.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) certification or the ability to obtain certification within the first year.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.

To apply, visit https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/533529/associate-director-for-postaward-finance-and-audit