Manager, Post Award Operations

UMBC; Baltimore, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition Remission

Generous Leave

Retirement plans

Wellness opportunities

Job summary

UMBC seeks a Manager, Post Award Operations to lead the Office of Contract and Grant Accounting’s post-award activities. You will supervise staff handling sponsored awards and serve as a key liaison across campus and with external agencies.

The role offers hybrid telework options, competitive compensation starting at $87,000 and over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full-time roles, plus tuition remission. A background check is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored projects accounting, research administration, grants management, or post-award administration.
• Three years of supervisory/management experience overseeing professional staff.
• Experience interpreting and applying federal regulations and policies (2 CFR 200).
• Experience overseeing award setup, financial reporting, sponsor billing, and closeout activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all post-award operational activities including award setup, 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, prepare management reports, and recommend process improvements.
• Collaborate with senior leaders on initiatives and improvements.

Education

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

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Word

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Position Title:

Manager, Post Award Operations

Description:

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.

Department:

Financial Services

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.

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!

Telework:

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.

Background Screening Statement:

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

Benefits:

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 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.

Hours:

Full-time

Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Equal Opportunity Statement:

UMBC is an Affi...

Title IX:

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.

Accommodation:

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

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.