Program Director of Research Administration & Finance

Job Summary:

This position will report directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Development and Strategy and will collaborate extensively with program directors within the Office. This position is responsible for establishing appropriate fund structures and accounting processes for managing the finances of the Office of Research Development and Strategy. This includes creating funds, establishing budgets, monitoring activity, reconciling exceptions, and creating reports. This position oversees the Office's compliance with accounting standards and policies as determined by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

This position is also responsible for oversight of all administrative functions that support the research mission of the Office of Research Development and Strategy and is critical to large, complex extramural research proposals across campus by providing financial management, project management, operations and research administrative support. Large, complex awards are generally defined as those with budgets of at least $5 million in total award dollars, requires significant coordination between internal and external stakeholders, involve significant University resources and support beyond the efforts of a traditional research proposal. Funding sponsors of these large, complex awards primarily include Federal agencies such as NIH, ARPA-H and BARDA but may include competitive foundation. This individual works independently as well as collaboratively with Office program directors (all who manage a portfolio of extramural funding), research teams and administrative and project management staff across campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Budget development, pre-award submission, and management and forecasting research funding.
• Dissection of sponsored funding opportunity requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Federal sponsors, OGC and university policies and regulations.
• Coordination with research teams to obtain all appropriate documentation and approvals.
• Collaboration with OGC and other leadership and support staff regarding deadlines which impact submission of materials requested by sponsoring agency.
• Upon issuance of awards, works closely with OGC finance team to establish fund accounts, and the disbursement of subcontracts.
• Provide guidance in the negotiation of grants, sub-awards and contracts; administer subsequent awards, and amendments.
• Collaborate with OGC Accounting, subcontractors, and external agencies, regarding payment of invoices, requesting no-cost extensions, establishing subcontracts, and assisting with progress reports.
• Works closely with the research team, Research Development directors, OGC and TTO (as needed) for all Material transfer agreements, and research contracts with industry sponsors.
• Procurement of research-related supplies/equipment or services.
• Financial data capture, analysis, interpretation, and resolution suggestions.
• Understand the unique processes involved with complex research grants and contracts.
• Oversee the daily accounting functions of all financial components associated with the Office.
• Other duties as assigned.

This description is a summary only and describes the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

Remote or Hybrid work schedules are available and will be negotiable based on the candidate's level of job knowledge and experience.

Why Join Us:

The Office of Research Development & Strategy (ORD&S) under the Vice Chancellor for Research at CU Anschutz, guides faculty in the pursuit of research funding, the formation of cross-disciplinary science initiatives, and the development of collaborative, team-science research. Our goal is to catalyze collaborations, improve funding success, and grow the CU Anschutz extramural funding portfolio.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness.

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in public administration, finance, accounting, business administration, or a directly related field from an accredited institution or a directly related field from an accredited institution
  • A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year for year basis.
• The position requires at least five (5) years of diverse and progressively responsible experience including full-scope grant management, and direct responsibility for staff who perform tasks related to procurement, accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reconciliation, salary allocations, budgeting, research administration, and contracting.
• Technical expertise in grant or contract administration, regulatory matters, and internal and external policy and procedures.
• Experience with large, complex Federal grants and contracts (NIH - P01, U19, U54, ARPA -H, DARPA, and/or BARDA mechanisms).
• Experience managing pre-award and post-award activity in a higher education setting.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in public administration, finance, accounting, business administration, or a directly related field from an accredited institution or a directly related field from an accredited institution
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
• Experience writing and/or editing contract language and terms.
• Expert at using the computer systems innate to Anschutz Medical Campus administration, including routing grants and contracts, establishing new funds, and closing inactive funds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to manage several projects or tasks simultaneously and to exercise judgment when prioritizing projects.
• Significant knowledge of federal grant and contract regulations and policies.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills; ability to independently analyze and resolve complex problems as well as self-directed work capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to details required.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Erin Calhoun, Erin.Calhoun@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 1, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $89,388 - $113,702

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.