Assistant Director of Post Award

Hastings Center, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, &

PTO & paid holidays

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Howard University seeks an experienced Assistant Director of SPO Post Award to lead post-award administration for sponsored programs and ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

The role manages daily post-award operations, coordinates with Pre Award, researchers, sponsors, and auditors, and develops policies to improve financial reporting and internal controls across the university.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field; 10+ years in grants administration.
• Experience with Workday or similar financial systems.
• Knowledge of GAAP, GASB, CASB and Uniform Guidance; ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SPO Pre Award and Post Award to support the university’s research community.
• Lead post-award operations and backfill duties as needed.
• Ensure timely cost allowability reviews and compliance across sponsored transactions.
• Develop performance metrics and reports for senior management.

Skills

Grant administration

Budget policies

Leadership

Communication

Team building

Confidentiality

Workday

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

Workday

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE

Howard University seeks a seasoned research financial administrator with functional contracts and grants management expertise to join a rapidly growing HU research enterprise.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

The Post- Award Analyst and Senior Post Award Analyst will report to the incumbent.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Assistant Director provides leadership and oversight for Post Award administration in the Sponsored Program Office (SPO), reporting directly to the Senior Director of SPO Post Award. This role manages the daily operations of the post award team, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines, award terms, and University policies from award setup to closeout. The Assistant Director works closely with internal and external clients, including schools, departments, and researchers, sponsors, and auditors to meet their needs. Collaboration with the Pre-Award administration and other university units is essential to maintain effective communication and coordination. This position involves developing policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance post award management, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and supporting strategic planning and continuous improvement initiatives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

The successful candidate will be an individual whose background demonstrates a commitment to Howard’s values of Leadership, Excellence, and Truth in Service and has demonstrated knowledge and experience in the following areas:

• Work in close collaboration with other colleagues in SPO Pre Award and Post Award in supporting the university’s research community.
• Ability to perform Director level responsibilities and backfill Post Award Analyst duties as needed.
• Manage the day-to-day SPO post award staff operations to ensure all key functions are completed timely.
• Mediate cost allowability issues to ensure all compliance requirements are strictly adhered during the review and approval of all sponsored transactions.
• Create performance metrics analysis reports for senior management.
• Manage staffing, including performance evaluations, and other HR related matters.
• Create customer service metrics and track response time associated with staff performance.
• Facilitate and lead training sessions on key topics related to research administration.
• Manage and monitor operating systems related to the management of financial post-award functions to ensure efficient workflow and internal controls are in place.
• Provide support for various audit activities involving sponsored awards.
• Work on special projects as requested by Director and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and proactively helping when needed.
• Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
• Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices and methodologies of accounting including grant administration and budget policies and procedures
• Comprehensive knowledge of Uniform Guidance; Knowledge of the rules and regulations governing federally sponsored research programs
• Knowledge of computer skills: spreadsheet, database, word processing, and presentation software as well as other standard office equipment.
• Ability to use technology – grants management software and a standard suite of office software applications
• Knowledge of Howard University’s policies and procedures related of sponsored research programs; Skilled at leveraging knowledge of Howard University’s practices, procedures and organizational etiquette in order to achieve desired results
• Sensitive to the interrelationship of both people and functions within the department.
• Ability to apply strict confidentiality regarding budget issues.
• Strong team building and interpersonal skills
• Strong project and relationship management skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relations with staff, University officials and the general public
• Good communication skills
• Customer service orientation

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field of study. Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in Grants Administration/Management, preferably in an academic environment, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and training. Experience using the Workday module or a comparable financial accounting systems relational database system is preferred. Knowledge of accounting standards (GAAP, GASB, CASB) and internal control procedures, and Uniform Guidance. Ability to work well under pressure and staff management experience.

Hybrid Flexible Preferred

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure Compensation Range: $108,000 - $119,000

Howard University is a comprehensive, research-oriented, historically Black private university providing an educational experience of exceptional quality to students of high academic potential with particular emphasis upon the provision of educational opportunities to promising Black students. Further, the University is dedicated to attracting and sustaining a cadre of faculty who are, through their teaching and research, committed to the development of distinguished and compassionate graduates and to the quest for solutions to human and social problems in the United States and throughout the world.

Howard University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, sex,sexual orientation,gender or gender identity, marital status, religion, disability or protected veterans status. Veterans and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries regarding provisions for persons with disabilities or veterans status, Equal Employment Opportunity and Title IX should be directed to the Office of Employee Relations and Equal Employment Opportunity at 202-806-1280. This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not be construed as a contract for employment.