Senior Manager, Post Award Administration

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Senior Manager in the BSD ADM - Research Administration to supervise a team handling post-award activities for complex grant portfolios. You will oversee subaward processes, provide mentorship, and ensure compliance with institutional and federal guidelines.

Reporting to the Director of Post-Award, you will set performance goals, allocate resources, and drive process improvements while coordinating with PIs and external agencies to ensure timely financial

Qualifications

• Education: college/university degree in related field or equivalent combo of education and experience.
• Work Experience: 5–7 years in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead a team of post-award coordinators/administrators.
• Oversee the outgoing subaward process.
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Set performance expectations and conduct evaluations.
• Manage department-level post-award activities for a portfolio of complex awards.
• Coordinate financial reporting and ensure timely submissions.
• liaise between PIs, university offices, and external agencies.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

Department BSD ADM - Research Administration

About the Department The Biological Sciences Division Research Administration Offi ce 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)

Compensation and Benefits

• 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.

Security and Fire Safety Information

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.

About University

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/