Manager, Post Award Operations

University of Maryland Baltimore County; Arbutus (MD); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition remission

Vacation time

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plans

Wellness opportunities

Job summary

University of Maryland Baltimore County seeks a Manager, Post Award Operations to lead the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting’s post-award activities. You will oversee award setup, invoicing, reporting, and closeouts while guiding staff and coordinating with campus and external partners.

The role requires strong supervisory experience, mastery of sponsored programs regulations (2 CFR 200), and proficiency with PeopleSoft and Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored projects accounting, research administration, grants management, or post-award administration.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Experience interpreting federal regulations (2 CFR 200) and sponsor terms.
• Experience overseeing award setup, financial reporting, sponsor billing, accounts receivable management, and closeout activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage post-award operational activities including award setup, award modifications, sponsor invoicing, financial reporting, accounts receivable management, collections, and award closeouts.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff responsible for sponsored project administration.
• Monitor operational metrics and performance indicators, prepare management reports and recommend process improvements.
• Collaborate with the Director, Assistant Director for Cost Accounting and Compliance and others on the team on initiatives and improvements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Analytical skills

Stakeholder communication

Process improvement

Financial reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business//Public Administration

Tools

PeopleSoft

Excel

Word

Outlook

Teams

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Position Overview:

The Manager, Post Award Operations is responsible for leadership, oversight, and management of the operational functions of the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting (OCGA) related to sponsored awards. The position manages the University's post-award administration activities and supervises staff responsible for a diverse portfolio. The manager also serves as a key liaison across campus and to external agencies.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $87,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities:

Manage and oversee all post-award operational activities including award setup, award modifications, sponsor invoicing, financial reporting, accounts receivable management, collections, and award closeouts.

• Supervise and mentor professional staff responsible for sponsored project administration.


• Monitor operational metrics and performance indicators, prepare management reports and recommend process improvements.


• Collaborate with the Director, Assistant Director for Cost Accounting and Compliance and others on the team on initiatives and improvements.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Education Required: Bachelor's degree preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience Required:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored projects accounting, research administration, grants management, or post-award administration.


• Three (3) years of supervisory, team lead, or management experience overseeing professional staff.


• Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional policies governing sponsored programs.


• Experience overseeing award setup, financial reporting, sponsor billing, accounts receivable management, collections, and closeout activities.


• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret complex financial information and communicate findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.


• Experience developing and improving operational processes, establishing internal controls, and implementing corrective actions.


• Experience working with Peoplesoft, or other electronic finance research administration systems, creating moderately complex reports and queries, and departmental level extramural support preferred.


• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and financial reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education, Licensure, Certification Preferred:

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)


• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)


• Master's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

Experience Preferred:

• Experience in higher education sponsored program administration


• Experience managing a large and diverse sponsored projects portfolio involving federal, state, and private sponsors.


• Experience leading organizational change initiatives, system implementations, or business process redesign efforts.

A background check will be required.

Closing Date:

Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 18, 2026. The position will remain open until filled

• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance


• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)


• Wellness opportunities


• & Much more

Salary: $87,000 - $98,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours:

Hours: Full-time

Type:

Type: Regular

FLSA Status:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affiantive Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization

Work Authorization As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.