Assistant Director of Post Award

The Howard University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Howard University seeks an experienced Post Award Administrator to lead the day-to-day operations of the post award team within the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO). You will ensure compliance with federal guidelines and award terms while collaborating with schools, departments, researchers, sponsors, and auditors.

The role requires developing policies, managing financial reporting, and driving continuous improvement in post-award processes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of accounting and budget policies for sponsored programs.
• Understanding of Uniform Guidance and federal regulations for grants.
• Ability to manage post-award processes and reporting.
• Strong communication with internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead post-award operations for sponsored programs in SPO.
• Ensure compliance with award terms and university policies.
• Develop policies and best practices for post-award management.
• Prepare timely financial reporting and performance metrics.
• Support audits and liaise with sponsors and auditors.
• Backfill Post Award duties when needed.
• Collaborate with Pre Award and other university units.

Skills

Grant administration

Budgeting

Accounting principles

Uniform Guidance

Team leadership

Project management

Confidentiality

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Grants management software

Excel

Databases

Word processing

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.

Benefits

• 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

• 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 offi