Senior Manager, Post Award Administration

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a Senior Manager to supervise a team of post-award coordinators handling complex grant and contract administration across a department or unit. You will oversee policy implementation, ensure compliance, and collaborate with PIs and university offices to optimize post-award activities.

The role requires a college degree and 5–7 years of related experience, with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5–7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead a team of post-award coordinators/administrators, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration within the team.
• Oversee the outgoing subaward process.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, federal regulations, and evolving guidelines; liaise with PIs and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Mentorship

Policy compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Job description

Department

BSD ADM - Research Administration

About the Department

The Biological Sciences Division Research Administration Office provides support to all research administration activities of participating units throughout the proposal and award lifecycle.

Job Summary

The job supervises and monitors a team of support staff responsible to administer pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals/funding within a department or unit.

Responsibilities

Leadership

• Reporting to the Director of Post-Award, the Senior Manager will supervise and lead a team of post-award coordinators administrators, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration within the team.
• Oversee the outgoing subaward process.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback.
• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.

Implementation of Policies/SOPs

• Work with the Director of Post-Award to update post-award policies and standard operating procedures in alignment with institutional guidelines and federal regulations for procedures directly related to coordinator duties.
• Regularly review and update policies to ensure compliance with evolving regulations and best practices.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and streamline and optimize post-award processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Portfolio Management

• Works with faculty and staff to manage all post-award activities for a dedicated portfolio of complex awards. Provide regular financial projections and monitor all transactions.
• Prepare and ensure timely submission of all financial reporting.
• Request agency prior approval for award changes as necessary.

Other

• Supervises employees that provides specialized support for the research enterprise within a department or unit, including post-award administration for all sponsored activity.
• Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.
• Supervises employees directly including selection, training, performance appraisal and work allocation. Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.
• Monitors industry trends and remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Plans for department/ unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Work Experience

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications

---

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and provide exceptional customer service.
• Commitment to the University of Chicago's mission and values.

Working Conditions

• Office Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

Additional Information

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $115,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.