Pay Grade: 32E

Context of the Job:

The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is established by a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a public/private consortium of a diverse set of member organizations, including industry, academia, non-profit organizations, state governments, and federal agencies. Institutionally, NIIMBL reports to the Vice President for Research, Scholarship & Innovation. Under limited direction, the Manager, Grants Administration provides counsel and training to the Institutes Grants Analysts, Contract Analysts, and Financial staff on matters of research administration. The Manager advises a team of contract and grant administrators who provide service for all phases of sponsored research oversight. Maintains productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders related to the contract and grant operations of the Institute. Independently resolves complex administrative procedural and administrative problems in all categories of research administration, and procurement. Implements and completes special financial management projects including report generation using a variety of data sources and techniques. The Manager plans and executes preventative and corrective action to mitigate the risk of non-compliance to avoid potential delay or loss of sponsor funding. This will include proposal submission, preparation of financial reports, expenditure review, compliance oversight, and project closeout.

Responsibilities: 

• Advises Institute Steering Team and staff in the proposal submission and post award oversight activities. This activity includes observance and advocacy related to federal terms & conditions as well as federal acquisition regulation clauses. 
• Train staff on appropriate business processes and direct training on standard operating procedures for sponsored program administration from proposal submission to award oversight and closeout.
• Manage a subset of Institute grants, cooperative agreements, and other sponsor funded contracts.
• Design and prepare financial reports, execute cost transfers, and complete project closeouts.
• Analyze and evaluate contract and grant budgets for correct calculation of expenditure categories such as salaries, percent of effort, fringe benefits, F&A, materials, and equipment. 
• Provide follow-up information; independently resolve problems and address issues. 
• Verify the accuracy of financial records as they pertain to receipts, expenditures, and related transactions to maintain effective stewardship of sponsors' funds.
• Provide expert advice and consultation to Institute staff concerning contracts and grants proposal submission and award management.
• Work closely with Institute Steering Team to maximize best practices. 
• Ensure the compliance of Federal OMB regulations as well as other sponsor specific guidelines to include non-profits, state, and foundations.
• Review internal and external audit results in collaboration with Research Office leadership; devise, plan and implement corrective action strategies to mitigate risk of non-compliance to avoid potential delay or loss of sponsor funding.
• Provide leadership and guidance in the development of large complex proposals. Working closely with Institute staff and Stakeholders.
• Perform job-related duties as necessary.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in a business-related field and five years job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Higher education experience preferred.
• Skill in the formulation, negotiation, and establishment of contractual arrangements. Advanced knowledge of OMB regulations and grant funding policies and procedures; knowledge of federal forms and processing systems.
• Effective oral and written communications, interpersonal, negotiating, and organizational skills.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
• Knowledge of university financials system with experience in research administration is preferred. 
• Understanding of generally accepted research administration policies and the University environment. 
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. 
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, resolution of complex problems/issues and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. 
• Analytical, evaluative, objective critical thinking skills, information research skills, and database management skills. 
• Ability to direct and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. 
• Strong time management and organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities under deadlines. 
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.