Manager, Post Award Operations

UMBC: Recent Jobs; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 Days of Annual Leave

15 Sick Leave Days

15 Holidays

3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission

Job summary

UMBC is seeking a Manager, Post Award Operations to lead the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting’s post‑award functions. You will supervise professional staff, oversee award setup, invoicing, reporting, AR, collections, and closeouts, and drive process improvements while coordinating with campus partners.

The role requires five years of relevant experience, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, and solid knowledge of federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored projects accounting or post‑award administration.
• Three years of supervisory/leadership experience overseeing professional staff.
• Experience interpreting federal regulations (2 CFR 200) and sponsor terms.
• Experience overseeing award setup, financial reporting, AR, collections and closeout.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and communicate findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience improving operational processes and internal controls.
• Experience with PeopleSoft or similar finance systems and reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams, and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage post‑award operational activities including award setup, modifications, invoicing, reporting, AR, collections and closeouts.
• Supervise and mentor professional staff responsible for sponsored project administration.
• Monitor metrics, prepare management reports and drive process improvements.
• Collaborate with Director and team on initiatives and improvements.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Tools

PeopleSoft

Excel

Reporting tools

SQL

Job description

Financial Services

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.

What is it like to work at UMBC? Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For!

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.

• 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.

Open Until Filled

Benefits

UMBC offers a rich benefits package. Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

• 22 Days of Annual Leave
• 15 Days of Sick Leave
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• 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)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Salary

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.

Full-time

Regular

Exempt

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

As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.

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.

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.

Advertised: Sep 1 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled