Director, Financial Post Award Admin.

Bridgewater State University; Bridgewater (MA); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Bridgewater State University is seeking a Director for the Office of Financial Post Award Administration. This role provides strategic leadership and ensures compliance and operational excellence in managing sponsored funds.

The ideal candidate will possess a relevant bachelor’s degree and over five years of experience in research administration related to post-award management. The position offers a salary range of $115,000 – $120,000 and the possibility of hybrid/remote work according to university policy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research administration focused on post-award management.
• Strong knowledge of federal/state compliance regulations and fiscal management.
• Proven track record in staff supervision and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight for the Office of Financial Post Award Administration.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and policy development.
• Direct, mentor, and develop post-award staff.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Knowledge of compliance regulations

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field

Job description

Overview

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Office of Financial Post Award Administration, ensuring effective stewardship of sponsored funds and high‑quality, service‑oriented experience for principal investigators (PIs) and research staff. This role serves as the University’s primary authority on financial post‑award administration and leads cross‑functional collaboration to strengthen compliance, enhance financial oversight, and advance a proactive, solutions‑oriented grants management culture. The role ensures compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies while driving process improvements, staff training, and sponsored administration risk management in support of the University’s mission.

Schedule and Requirements

Position type: Full‑time, 12‑month APA position subject to the terms of the union agreement. Salary range: $115,000 – $120,000. Work schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ability to work some Saturdays and evenings, as needed. Eligible for hybrid/remote work in accordance with the university remote work policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in research administration with a focus on post‑award management.
• Strong knowledge of federal/state compliance regulations, fiscal management, and sponsored project administration.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in staff supervision and performance management.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Maintain knowledge of emerging trends and regulatory changes in research administration through participation in professional organizations (e.g., NCURA, SRA, COGR, FDP).

Essential Duties

• Provide daily operational oversight, workload management, and service excellence for the Office of Financial Post Award Administration.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, including technology adoption, financial post‑award training for the research community, policy development, and reporting enhancements.
• Partner with campus stakeholders—Office of Grants and Sponsored Projects, Human Resources, the Foundation—to deliver seamless grant lifecycle support and implement best practices.
• Direct, mentor, and develop post‑award staff, including performance management, training and succession planning.
• Monitor and provide authoritative interpretation of federal, state, and non‑governmental sponsor requirements and regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and advise faculty and staff on complex compliance matters.
• Track post‑award risk metrics, identify trends, and recommend policy or process improvements to strengthen compliance.
• Represent the University in interactions with federal sponsors and agencies on financial compliance and reporting.