DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

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DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION

Req #: 230003 Department: COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Job Location: Seattle Campus Posting Date: 01/12/2024 Closing Info: Open Until Filled Salary: $10,000 - $11,080 per month Other Compensation: Shift: First Shift Benefits: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world. UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. POSITION PURPOSE The College of Education (COE) Dean's Office provides centralized financial, human resources and operational support to the faculty, staff and students of the College of Education as well as the external community. Reporting directly to the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, the Director of Research Administration will provide essential leadership and oversight of proposal submissions on behalf of faculty and principal investigators (PIs), while also ensuring the efficient financial management and compliance of their research grants and contracts with a dedicated emphasis on customer service and providing robust support for the college's research-focused faculty. The Director will also will collaborate closely with the Associate Dean of Research on proposal-related matters to address and resolve questions from faculty and PIs. In addition, the Director will ensure the effective training, management, and support of pre and post-award research administration and oversee the Associate Director of Post Award responsible for day-to-day operations. Using deep knowledge of external grants and contracts from a variety of sponsors including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Education, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and established foundations, the Director will design, develop, execute and oversee the pre- and post-award process at the college level including proposal submissions, financial accounting, budget reporting and day-to-day financial operations of all research budgets, ensuring consistency and that financial resources are used effectively and in compliance with UW, state, federal and COE policies. This position will provide leadership to a team of finance staff responsible for performing pre- and post-award activities under established internal and external deadlines. Additionally, the Director will oversee the hiring, mentoring, and training of lead finance staff and provide back up support during vacancies and peak workload. This position does not provide relocation support. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Pre-award Administration

• Provide leadership and expertise to the College of Education faculty and principal investigators in the development and acquisition of external funds for research purposes.
• Support and oversee the pre-award process for sponsored projects in the College of Education, serving as lead resource for proposal processing applications (SAGE, NSF Research.gov, Grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, etc.).
• Collaborate with faculty and PIs to develop and submit proposals for new, competing, and non-competing research, training grants and contracts to federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate funding agencies.
• Initiate and lead discussions regarding tailoring the financial aspects of the proposal to meet the needs of the researcher while maintaining compliance with the funding agency and the UW.
• In accordance with funding agency guidelines, direct and oversee Grant Specialists responsible for developing budgets, budget justifications, and all required forms and documents, and processing pre-award paperwork for proposal submission for faculty and research staff in the College of Education.
• Advise PIs on policies and procedures for proposal preparation and submission, interpret and apply funding agency and University grant proposal guidelines.
• Provide leadership on compliance requirements and financial policies including indirect cost allocations and cost share.
• Serve as College's liaison to University's Office of Sponsored Programs, and to funding agencies.
• Establish timelines for preparation and review to ensure that all necessary routing (reviews, revisions, approvals, and final submission) meets established University and agency deadlines.
• Oversee and coordinate the application process with UW Office of Research for limited-submission opportunities—grants, awards and fellowships that limit the number of applications that may be submitted from one institution.
• Oversees the development of new programs with Associate Dean of Research on strategic priorities such as building momentum in research priorities by identifying relevant funding opportunities.
• Review all CoE proposals with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project. Post-award Administration
• Set operational strategy for and manage the implementation of grant management in the college, including federal and foundation pre- and post-award activities using comprehensive knowledge and expertise in research administration.
• Provide oversight of the college's post-award financial accounting and budget reporting and ensure the Associate Director of Post Award and their team deliver accurate and insightful financial information.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Post Award to ensure thorough budget analysis by the team, working together to enhance the quality of information provided and empowering PIs to make well-informed decisions.
• Develop the supporting cross-team workflows and information systems to coordinate effectively across HR, procurement and accounting teams.
• Work in tandem with the Associate Director of Post Award to guarantee the team's compliance, accuracy, and timely reporting, and foster a collaborative environment that promotes the delivery of superior information while meeting and exceeding established standards.
• Review College of Education research activity reports/metrics for presentations and dissemination.
• Direct the implementation and maintenance of efficient processes to comply with policies and procedures of College of Education, UW and other approving offices or agencies internal or external to the university.
• Document workflow and assist with design and implementation of procedures on COE intranet (SharePoint).
• Provide as needed support to the Assistant Dean including ad hoc reporting and representing the College as requested.
• Serve as liaison with other UW units to ensure efficient and effective day-to-day workflow, budget development, reporting and close out activities.
• Interpret complex university and government policies/regulations (Cost Accounting standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, specifically Uniform Guidance, sponsored guidelines for annual progress reports, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide finance staff in interpreting complex policies. Staff Supervision, Performance Management and Professional Development
• Oversee the research finance team responsible for performing pre- and post-award activities.
• Lead the hiring, development and training of research finance staff and ensure a consistent and cohesive approach to supporting research administration (pre and post award) in the college; analyze workload and output and make recommendations to the Assistant Dean on staffing structure, levels and effort.
• Develop process and procedures for finance staff to ensure resources are available to them to meet their responsibilities.
• Provide feedback on performance on a periodic basis and support staff development with necessary training and resources. Strategic Support, Reporting and Compliance
• Provide administrative oversight at a level necessary to ensure policies and procedures follow University and external policies and meet internal control standards, developing and implementing new internal controls, policies and procedures regarding financial activities as necessary.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration to manage implementation of budgeting, financial planning, and analysis, including annual budget design and reforecasting processes
• Lead the design and implementation of new administrative procedures. Maintain up-to-date knowledge on policy changes and modify existing college workflow to incorporate these changes. Document workflow and assist with design and implementation of procedures on the college intranet.
• Respond to requests for data and information and provide consistent and standardized reports related to the college's research portfolio to leadership on a regular basis and as requested.
• Support the College and university in regard to strategic initiatives related to sponsored research. Other duties as assigned MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's in accounting, finance, or related field to include 8-10 years of experience in financial analysis, project management and operational support. Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Experience with pre- and post-award management and reporting for large scale research awards.
• Deep understanding of the principles and activities associated with delivering effective people services, talent management, financial management, grant and contract management.
• Supervisory experience to include leading and managing a team.
• A passion for working in a high-impact, mission-focused College.
• A strategic and business mindset; a curious, creative, and versatile thinker; comfortable with ambiguity in a complex environment.
• Highly collaborative, with an inclusive and team-oriented work style.
• Excellent communication skills, able to make complex ideas/concepts clear and easily understood by others.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities; adept problem solver; data driven decision maker.
• Uses varied problem-solving tools and techniques; brings wisdom and experience to decision making. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Masters degree in accounting, finance or related field.
• Knowledge of and experience in an education research environment is highly desirable.
• Experience with UW fiscal policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of Workday, SAGE and Adaptive. Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are access ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.