Assistant Director of Post Award

Howard University; Washington; Hybrid; USD 108,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision insurance

PTO & holidays

Flexible work arrangements

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Howard University seeks a seasoned research financial administrator to lead post‑award management within the Sponsored Program Office, ensuring compliant and timely financial reporting.

You will collaborate with Pre‑Award teams, sponsors, and auditors, and backfill duties as needed while developing policies to improve efficiency and uphold the university's standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration or related field is required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive grants administration/management experience.
• Experience with Workday or similar financial systems preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, CASB and Uniform Guidance.
• Ability to manage staff under pressure and lead teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead post award operations within the Sponsored Program Office (SPO).
• Ensure compliance with federal guidelines and award terms from setup to closeout.
• Develop policies and procedures to improve post award management.
• Create performance metrics and manage HR related matters for staff.
• Collaborate with Pre-Award, sponsors, auditors, and internal partners.

Skills

Grant administration

Budgeting

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Confidentiality

HR management

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