Assistant Director, Post Award

Villanova University

Villanova (Delaware County)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Villanova University is looking for an Assistant Director of Post-Award to oversee the management of post-award operations in the Office of Grants and Contracts. This role includes directing procedures and ensuring compliance with federal regulations for sponsored projects.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, at least 5 years of relevant experience in higher education, and excellent communication skills. The position offers opportunities for leadership and process improvement within the university's sponsored projects.

Qualifications

At least 5 years’ experience working directly with sponsored awards and contracts in a Higher Ed setting.
Thorough understanding of federal grant regulations and their implementation in the higher education setting.
Ability to apply federal and sponsor regulations to financial transactions.

Responsibilities

Manage post-award operations and ensure compliant administration.
Supervise and mentor post-award administrators and support staff.
Ensure timely submission of all required non-financial reports.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently and prioritize workload

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Possess critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills

Friendly and supportive demeanor

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

Villanova University

Assistant Director, Post Award

The Assistant Director of Post-Award is responsible for the management of post-award operations in the Office of Grants and Contracts, including strengthening, establishing, directing, and overseeing post-award procedures and operations. This position ensures compliant, efficient, and service-oriented administration of the university’s sponsored projects portfolio. The Assistant Director supervises post‑award staff, oversees financial and regulatory compliance, supports principal investigators, and partners with central offices (Finance, HR, Procurement, Compliance) to ensure proper stewardship of sponsored funds in accordance with institutional and federal policies, as well as additional sponsor requirements.

Leadership & Supervision

Supervise and mentor post‑award administrators and support staff
Establish workload distribution, performance expectations, and training plans
Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and customer service across the post‑award team
Lead process improvement initiatives, including the standardization and implementation of operating procedures; assess and strengthen post‑award policies, procedures, and internal controls
Work closely with the Assistant Director, Pre‑Award to ensure a smooth and efficient transition from pre‑award to post‑award
Work closely with the Director to monitor award growth, risk exposure, compliance trends, gaps in infrastructure, weaknesses and deficiencies in internal controls; recommend operational improvements

Post‑Award Function and Oversight

Review proposal budgets and budget justifications prior to submission to ensure costs are allowable and sufficiently justified
Oversee award setup, account establishment, and budget allocation
Monitor expenditures for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness and consistency with institutional policies
Review and approve cost transfers/labor redistributions, rebudgeting, and no‑cost extensions consistent with both institutional and federal policies
Ensure timely submission of all required non‑financial reports
Coordinate award closeout activities

Policy, Process and Maintenance

Ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and sponsor terms and conditions
Interface with sponsors when there are questions related to guidelines, regulations and compliance issues; remain current on changes to federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures
Work with OG & C leadership and staff on how to best implement and maintain compliance function
Oversee effort commitments and serve as main point of contact for the Research Accounting Office for effort certification
Provide guidance on allowable costs, prior approvals, and audit readiness
Support the OG & C Director in responding to internal and external audit requests
Establish standards for document retention in institutional award records; monitor records for completeness and accuracy; perform regular audits of dashboard data and correct/update as needed
Monitor the OG & C website to ensure resources are accurate and up to date

Post‑Award Training and Engagement

Build relationships with individuals and areas across the University engaged with sponsored projects; participate in various University committees and ad‑hoc working groups related to sponsored projects matters
Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Formal Education:

Bachelor’s degree required

Minimum Work Experience:

At least 5 years’ experience working directly with sponsored awards and contracts in a Higher Ed setting

Work Skills:

Attention to detail
Ability to work independently and prioritize workload
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex requirements into simple and actionable recommendations
Possess critical thinking and strategic problem‑solving skills
Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all professional matters
Friendly and supportive demeanor, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally

Specific Job Knowledge:

Thorough understanding of federal grant regulations and their implementation in the higher education setting
Ability to understand contractual requirementsAbility to apply federal and sponsor regulations to financial transactions, sponsored award budgets and sponsored award proposal content
Supervisory or team leadership experience
Process improvement mindset

Equipment Knowledge: