Rowan University is a top 100 national public research institution that offers bachelor's through doctoral and professional programs in person and online to 22,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., its medical school campuses in Camden and Stratford, and five others. The University has earned national recognition for innovation, commitment to high-quality, affordable education, and developing public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing public research university, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Rowan University is seeking its next Director of Post Awards-Office of Sponsored Programs.
The Director for Post Awards is responsible for the management of financial activities, financial reporting and oversight of the Post Award staff in the University's Office of Sponsored Programs. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Research. This position works with the Directors of the Office of Sponsored Programs to ensure effective management of sponsored research post-award activities and assures compliance with federal, state, and private regulations concerning research grants and contracts terms and conditions.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide leadership, operational management, coordination, and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Office of Sponsored Programs Post Award division in a manner that is conducive to collaboration, compassion, and commitment to furthering Rowan University's research mission.
- On an ongoing basis, oversee educational and training programs for research administrators, the faculty, and other staff relating to post-awards. In addition to training Post Award staff, training programs will include research administrators in departments and centers.
- Lead continuous process and operational improvement initiatives to reduce cycle-times, improve overall compliance posture, and remove unnecessary administrative burdens. Ensures the office will provide knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and timely support to the research community.
- Evaluate and enhance OSP's team approach with Principal Investigators, department administrators, Accounting Services staff and external auditors.
- Represent the interests of the Deans, Chairs, faculty, staff, and senior leadership in defining, developing, and implementing institutional business operations to effectively encourage and support post award compliance activities.
- On an ongoing basis, evaluate and improve operating metrics and service levels provided to the University's grant and contract recipients and departmental administrators. Identify and recommend system enhancements to minimize obstacles, streamline processes, and increase efficiency of grant and contract related activities. On a regular basis, generate and publish performance measures of Post Award operations for the institution.
- Serve as an expert in interpreting and explaining research policies and guidelines from granting agencies as it relates to post award activities.
- Liaise with extramural sponsors, federal, state, and local governments, and private sector agencies on matters relating to sponsored programs post award administration.
- Oversee the financial and accounting aspects of the University's sub-awardee monitoring activities, including reviewing the financial risks inherent in doing business with the sub-awardee and reviewing the cost allowability of sub-awardee invoices and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and both prime and sub-awardee terms and conditions.
- Direct the preparation of required financial and accounting reports to sponsors. Close out University accounts according to institutional and sponsor agency policy and good accounting practices.
- Oversee the billing and collection activity related to all grant and contract revenue including preparation of monthly journal entries. Assure appropriate controls, systems, and reconciliation processes are in place. Work closely with University Accounting Services Department to ensure reconciliation is done on a monthly basis.
- Review and approve purchase requisitions, invoices and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with terms of awards. Review and approve cost transfers for allowability, allocability and reasonableness.
- Support senior leadership in the development of institutional policies, procedures, and training that support the conduct of sponsored research, research compliance, and information technology specific to research administration.
- Monitor University-sponsored funds and activities according to federal and state regulations and guidelines, including those published by the Federal Office of Management and Budget. Interpret regulations and guidelines for the University and advise on policy and procedure development. Evaluate risks and initiate changes where appropriate. Maintain current expertise in all applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, and proposed changes to such.
- Monitor and support audit activities by federal, state, and independent auditors. Assist Accounting Services with year-end audit activities, including preparation of year-end journal entries and schedule of expenditures required by Federal Uniform Guidance and State of New Jersey. Maintain records and own communication with senior leadership about audit-related activity. Systematically track and monitor all external oversight and audit responsibilities and proactively identify and remediate all potential and/or previously identified audit issues and control weaknesses.
- Participate in research administration and financial system functional requirements assessment and implementation; assist with testing and implementation of functionality.
- Coordinate the development and preparation of the indirect cost recovery (F&A) and fringe rate proposals; coordinate negotiations with the University's cognizant agency.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Uniform Guidance and other applicable federal and state requirements.
- Knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and financial standards, and oversees fixed assets purchased with grant funds, including asset inventory.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the division's mission and goals.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree, Business or Accounting preferred, and three to five years of related experience in sponsored projects post award administration and management in an institution of higher education, hospital, or non-profit organization.
- MBA or CPA is preferred.
- Must have in depth knowledge of Federal regulations for sponsored project funding, accounting, and reporting functions.
- Demonstrated skills in recruiting, developing, mentoring, training and managing staff. Supervisory experience is preferred.
- Ability to interact effectively with staff, faculty, deans and external sponsors; strong organization, administrative and time management skills; ability to work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment.
- Possess effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Possess initiative and judgment to independently problem solve and prioritize.
- Must have flexible and adaptive work style to manage multiple priorities to achieve goals for operational efficiency and fiscal stability.
- Strong customer service orientation is required.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel and Banner ERP a plus.
For more information and to apply, please see this link. Submission of applications closed Feb 14, 2024.
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Elisabeth Morlino
Associate Dean of Research & Academics
Rowan University
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