Sponsored Programs Director jobs in Champaign, IL

Director, Post-Award - Sponsored Programs Administration

Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) is a service unit under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, supporting the research enterprise throughout the entire lifecycle of an externally sponsored project, from proposal submission to award closeout.

Job Summary
Direct a professional staff dedicated to the support of externally funded sponsored projects ensuring compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations and in alignment with the mission and policies of the University. Manage the post-award functions of the sponsored project lifecycle, provide advisory support to the various University and Systems offices, and assist the investigators and administrating units in managing sponsored projects.

• Work in close collaboration with the Executive Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and the Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Directors in supporting the University’s externally funded sponsored project portfolio. Monitor the progress of goals and objectives; determine the effectiveness of the organizational structure; manage, direct and review responsibilities assigned to Post Award professional and support staff to ensure overall operational needs are efficiently being met; develop and implement effective strategies to achieve established objectives related to post-award activities administered by the SPA.
• Provide oversight of accounting and operations performed by Post-Award to ensure related functions are conducted in compliance with policies and procedures established by the University and sponsoring agencies, and that related services are effectively and efficiently being provided to principal investigators and University departments. Provide oversight of the cash management and accounts receivable functions, ensuring invoices are processed and funds are disbursed in a timely manner. Develop and administer policies and procedures related to sub-awards to ensure sub-recipients are compliant with sub-award provisions. Maintain the institutional responsibility for ensuring timely project closeout including the completion of all related technical and/or financial reporting requirements. Develop, coordinate, and conduct training sessions/programs related to sponsored project post-award administration to ensure appropriate University officials/staff are kept informed about compliance issues and about new and/or revised policies and procedures. Instigate the delivery of necessary training to all Post-Award personnel involved in the support of the sponsored portfolio.
• Coordinate with the SPA Audit and Compliance team in managing auditing activities related to sponsored programs which may involve interaction with all three institutions including: reviewing preparation of responses to audit findings; follow-up with appropriate campus and University administrative officials/staff to ensure that established recommendations are appropriately implemented and administered, and audit resolution completed. Administer and oversee efforts to address specific problem areas identified through internal and external University audits, external evaluations, and constituency requests. Administer and oversee post-award sponsored project activities to ensure compliance with University guidelines and regulations (e.g., application of federal cost principles, cash management requirements, and other related issues).
• Provide expertise and leadership on federal and state regulations and compliance matters; monitor policy changes of major sponsoring agencies. Analyze the impact of federal and state regulatory changes on the University and assist in the implementation of new regulatory requirements, including the development of University policies and procedures. Establish, formulate and communicate sponsored project policies and procedures that include consulting with appropriate officials/staff to determine areas for which new and/or revised policies and procedures are required to ensure compliance with University guidelines and regulations.
• Develop and maintain an administrative liaison role with sponsoring agency officials to facilitate, address, and/or resolve matters related to the administration of sponsored projects. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with campus administrative leadership and staff to provide guidance on matters related to grants administration, ensure authoritative information is appropriately communicated, and interpret University policies and sponsoring agencies’ regulations to faculty and administrative staff. Work in close collaboration with the SPA functional areas to facilitate the grants process across the entire project lifecycle to ensure institutional compliance across the full project lifecycle.
• Manage and monitor the operating systems related to the management of Post-Award functions and assess the proficiency of current administrative processes to identify areas for which improvement is needed to streamline efficiency and evaluate information technology used to manage related functions to ensure its overall effectiveness. Work in collaboration with the various SPA functional teams to develop efficient digital workflow across the entire sponsored lifecycle while advocating for efficient Post-Award business and system processes.
• Retain responsibility for the review and certification of grants and contracts documents, including signature authority, as delegated by the Board of Trustees. Serve as the SPA Post-Award representative at relevant national, regional, and institutional meetings. Provide leadership and direction with other duties appropriate for the position of SPA Director, Post-Award.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree. Ten years of relevant work experience, including demonstrated leadership, organizational and administrative skills related to the management and administration of externally funded sponsored projects. A minimum of five years of supervisory experience or equivalent experience demonstrating the ability to lead teams and individuals to develop and accomplish shared goals.

Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree preferred but a Bachelor of Science will be considered/accepted if accompanied by significant experience in research administration. Ten Years of research administrative experience preferably at a large academic research institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required: Comprehensive understanding about federal research policies, practices, and trends; demonstrated leadership skills that reflect a dynamic, collegial, consensus-building style; strong commitment to the development of high quality training programs for University staff; demonstrated administrative skills to organize and manage a customer-service oriented work environment that adheres to complex regulations and guidelines while developing effective internal research administration support; demonstrated leadership skills to identify and develop successful strategies to achieve organizational goals and objectives; highly developed verbal and written communications skills; exceptional interpersonal skills; strong analytical skills; effective mentoring skills and a commitment to establish a work environment that encourages personal growth and professional advancement. General knowledge of sponsored accounting principles and general financial management practices. Preferred: Demonstrate understanding and leadership in the development and enhancement of automated workflow/processes and systems that support the operation of sponsored programs administration.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Salary is commensurate with experience. This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent on unit operational needs.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Wednesday, December 7th. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart (lewin@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1012643
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu