We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Sponsored Research Administrator in the Office of Grants and Contracts, Villanova University, located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.
The Senior Sponsored Research Administrator assists Villanova University and its research community in applying for and managing sponsored projects. The individual in this position is responsible for ensuring and complying with federal and other sponsor requirements as well as institutional policies and procedures. This is accomplished by having a firm understanding of grant policies and independently following the policies and procedures set forth by the University for managing sponsored award activities, in a friendly, compassionate, and team-oriented manner that supports faculty administrative responsibilities. While the position is located in the central office, there is extensive contact with investigators and department/college staff.
Responsibilities Include:
- Conduct institutional review of grant applications for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with institutional policies and procedures. Ensures that all pre-award documentation is prepared for signature or electronic submission. Maintains pre-award documentation according to established procedures.
- Establishes Sponsored Programs accounts based on careful review of all terms and conditions of each award notice; performs compliance checks; maintains appropriate documentation. Maintains award record in Cayuse, including status updates and modifications. Completes award notification communications, including projection, and organizes kick-off meeting with Principal Investigator (PI) and college staff.
- Works directly with faculty, in a combined central/departmental role, to manage the post-award functions of the University's sponsored research portfolio including regular review, reconciliation and projection of award finances, preparing adjustments and corrections to award budgets. Monitor portfolio for under/overspending, potential problems, need for extensions and/or budget revisions. Meet with faculty, and department/college staff, as needed to review accounts.
- In preparation for award close out, assists PIs with non-financial report submissions, as necessary, prepares and submits negative invention disclosure reports and prepares the award for close out consistent with university process and timelines. Close out award record in Cayuse and work with Research Accounting Office to ensure close out in Banner.
- Review and approve salary and non-salary expense transactions, including subcontractor and subawardee invoices, in accordance with institutional and sponsor policy and based on Uniform Guidance.
- Embrace the office's team approach by actively contributing to new policies, innovative processes through team and staff meetings and for special projects. Provide high quality customer service to faculty, staff, collaborators, team members, and other departments on campus to solve questions ad problems.
- Supervise the post-award specialists, including solving problems, answering questions, and giving guidance on post-award activities and other grants management topics daily.
- Lead Sponsored Research Administrator meetings, 1-2 times per month; lead monthly Grant Portfolio Review meeting.
- Perform related responsibilities as required and as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of experience related to grants and contracts management. Departmental grants administrator experience preferred.
- Willingness to work as a team member to contribute to the larger body of work.
- Knowledge of federal rules and regulations / terms and conditions relating to research grant and/or contract activity.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Cayuse SP/424 and Banner experience a plus
- Solid understanding of federal grant regulations, specifically Uniform Guidance and cost principles, and their implementation in a higher education setting. Ability to understand contractual requirements.
- A minimum of 5 years' experience managing sponsored research grants and contracts required.
- Grant accounting and budgeting understanding necessary. Attention to detail is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; friendly, courteous and professional in all communication.
- Must stay current with changes and updates in research administration field. Perform additional duties and assists with special projects as assigned.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral component of Villanova University's mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
We welcome applications through our Human Resources Applicant Portal: https://jobs.villanova.edu/postings/19891
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Moira McAndrews
Director, Grants & Contracts
Villanova University
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