Assistant Director of Post Award

Department

BSD ADM - Post Award - Team C

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION: As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION: Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES:
• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

The MVV serves as our True North, charting our strategic plan for the next ten years and beyond. It is an exciting time to be a part of the University of Chicago and the BSD. Our team is helping to shape the future for our learners, staff, faculty, patients, and community.

Job Summary

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

The Assistant Director of Post-Award is a crucial role responsible for overseeing the effective management of post-award activities for sponsored research projects within the Biological Sciences Division.

This position involves providing mentorship and training opportunities to a team of post-award administrators, implementing policies and standard operating procedures, optimizing post-award processes a well as providing guidance and expertise to faculty, staff and administrators on post-award matters.

Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Reporting to the Director of Post-Award, the Assistant Director will supervise and lead a team of post-award administrators, ensuring effective coordination and collaboration within the team.

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities for the team.

• Set performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback.

Implementation:

• Work with the Director of Post-Award to implement post-award policies and standard operating procedures in alignment with institutional guidelines and federal regulations.

• 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.

Support & Advocacy:

• Offer expertise and support to help navigate complex grant scenarios where guidance and advocacy is needed.

• Review reporting to provide oversight and identify potential issues and propose solutions.

• Advocate for the Division’s post-award needs within and outside the institution.

• Engage with funding agencies and other stakeholders to represent the Division’s interests.

Training Initiatives:

• Work with the Director of Post-Award to develop and deliver training programs on Post-Award processes, policies and compliance requirements.

• Stay informed about changes in regulations and disseminate relevant information to the post-award team.

• Stay current with industry best practices and incorporate them into training modules.

• Manages employees by establishing annual performance goals, allocating resources, assessing annual performance, and determining individual merit, incentive and/or promotional increases.

• Develops performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates. 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.

• 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.

Work Experience:

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

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in finance, business administration, or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in research administration, with a focus on post-award management strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge of federal regulations and compliance requirements related to sponsored.

• research (e.g., Uniform Guidance, FAR).

• Previous experience in a leadership or managerial role.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency in financial management and reporting software.

• Ability to work collaboratively and provide exceptional customer service.

• Commitment to the University of Chicago's mission and values.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

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Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (optional)

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

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

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

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $130,000.00

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.

 

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