Associate Director of Grants and Contracts

PSD Local Business Center The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and mathematics, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond.

The Physical Sciences Division Local Business Center (PSD-LBC) provides grants and finance management support to faculty, researchers, and administrators for many of the organizations (departments, research centers, and institutes) within the Physical Sciences Division. Our goal is to provide high levels of service in order to advance the PSD’s mission in research and education. Reporting to the Director of Grants & Contracts for the PSD Local Business Center, the Associate Director of Grants & Contracts serves as a senior leader representing the Division and assists the Director in the overall management of the Local Business Center. The Associate Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the grants & contracts portfolio for a group of departments and institutes within the Physical Sciences Division including Astronomy & Astrophysics, Mathematics, Geophysical Sciences, the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation and the University of Chicago STEM Education Center. These duties have a wide scope which include managing office administration, budgets, and payroll, coordinating with other Divisional and University units, faculty, and staff; the Grants & Contracts Manager provides comprehensive financial/accounting services for PSD faculty.

The position manages a team of professional staff and supervisors responsible for the financial management of operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. Develops long and short-term plans to achieve financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for all major service programs and initiatives. Manages quarterly and year-end reporting. Serves as a key advisor and back up to the Director. Leads key projects for the entire LBC. Represents the LBC in University-wide meetings and planning functions.

• Works with the Director and Senior Associate Dean for Finance & Strategy to develop process improvement, implement policies, and assist in the management of the entire Local Business Center.
• Serves as a lead in the ongoing FST implementation, representing the PSD’s concerns and interests in relevant meetings and working with the entire grants & contracts staff to implement changes.
• Serves as a backup and delegate to the Director of Grants & Contracts, providing key leadership and support for the entire Local Business Center.
• Responsible for management of key functions for the assigned portfolio of departments including accounting, budgeting, pre- and post-award grant administration, recharge operations, purchasing, payroll, with the objective of establishing and implementing the financial policies of the University.
• Hires, trains, and supports the Grants and Contracts staff in the fundamentals of pre- and post-award account management.
• Manages departmental budgets, recharge operations, and faculty research accounts.
• Takes a lead role in coordinating services between the faculty, staff, business centers in the Division, and other administrative units outside the Division such as the Financial Services, Human Resources, Shared Services, and University Research Administration.
• Oversees the work of a team of Grants and Contracts Administrators and Grants and Contracts Analysts.
• Oversees both Pre-Award and Post-Award grant administration.
• 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 requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• MBA or related advanced degree.

• Previous supervisory experience, experience leading a team, or similar work experience.
• Previous experience with financial services or sponsored projects.

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
• Time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines.
• Knowledge of federal and nonfederal grants and contracts administration, including effective budgeting, submission requirements, reporting and administration.
• Knowledge of accounting and mathematical aptitude.
• Strong financial and analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable with a consultative approach to interacting with employees and faculty.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to research issues and propose solutions to problems.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals from across the division and university.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and complete projects on time and accurately with minimal supervision.

• This position is eligible for a Hybrid work schedule.

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Financial Management People Manager 37.5 No No No Salary Exempt $127,500.00 - $155,000.00 Yes