Sponsored Programs Manager

JOB PURPOSE:

Provides institutional leadership and strategic direction for Navajo Technical University's Office of Sponsored Programs with an emphasis on collaborative assistance to faculty, staff and administrators in all related to the discovery, development, implementation, and management of publicly funded grants, grant related contracts, sponsored research and undergraduate research.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and maintain the best possible practices and techniques for the discovery of grant and grant-related contract opportunities.
• Provides guidance and support specifically to the designated grant and generally to the University.
• Oversees the preparation, authorization, and submission of grant proposals and grant related contracts.
• Understands and oversees the Principal Investigator(s) (PI) budget development for a grant project; to compliance with the funding agency's proposal and budget guidelines; to narrative development and responsiveness to the funding agency's guidelines; and to completeness prior to its being circulates for approval by appropriate administrators and subsequent submission to the funding agency.
• Ensures that PI's develop appropriate budgets to support their projects.
• Provide financial compliance oversight and day-to-day management of projects funded from both public (federal, state, local government) and private (industry and non-profit organizations) sources with multiple performance periods and varying administrative requirements.
• Review, audit, and approve expenditures and source documentations, including cost transfers with consideration to sponsor restrictions.
• Serves as a liaison for the University budget office and funding agencies on all matters related to the budgets for grants and grant related contracts.
• Recommends and implements policies and procedures related to grants and grant-related contracts.
• Leads and manages all activities related to the daily operations of the Office of Sponsored Projects.
• Provides effective communication across all entities involved with grant development, implementation, administration and close-outs.
• Provides pre and post-award administrative support including, project account establishment such as analyzing contractual agreements and grant awards to determine restrictions.
• Work closely with faculty, staff, administrators and stakeholder groups to implement and guide strategic planning processes that ensure that grants and sponsored programs are an effective component of the campus's institutional program.
• Conducts periodic reviews of all grant programs to ensure they are meeting the goals, objectives, and strategies outlined in the grant proposal.
• Ensure that all reports for grants are submitted by the campus on time with professional content.
• Collaborates closely with the Contracts and Grant Accountant
• Attends meetings when called upon by President and Cabinet members.
• Keeps abreast of new technologies and principles by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Maintains confidentiality of all privileged information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business or a related field is required.
• Five years of equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of education
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a progressively responsible fiscal, accounting or closely related position in contracts and grants administration.
• Minimum of 2 years in planning and managing complex budgets is preferred.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Valid and clean state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies and no history of child abuse and/or neglect.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Thorough knowledge, experience, expertise in planning, managing, and reporting complex budgets from multiple funding sources with varying terms and conditions
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of higher education.
• Considerable knowledge of community and economic development principles, practices and methods.
• Preference knowledge of governmental accounting principles, sponsor reporting requirements and audit policies, OMB Uniform Guidance 2CFR 200.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel Access, PowerPoint, and Cayuse.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with the pre-award proposal process desired.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits, stand, and walk.
• Must be able to operate a ten-key adding machine.
• Use hands for dexterity of motion, repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, visual acuity, and verbal communications skills.
The employee must occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is typically performed within an office or interior environment with normal noise levels.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.