Assistant Director, Post Award

Villanova University Assistant Director, Post Award The Assistant Director of Post-Award is responsible for the management of post-award operations in the Office of Grants and Contracts, including strengthening, establishing, directing, and overseeing post-award procedures and operations. This position ensures compliant, efficient, and service-oriented administration of the university’s sponsored projects portfolio. The Assistant Director supervises post‑award staff, oversees financial and regulatory compliance, supports principal investigators, and partners with central offices (Finance, HR, Procurement, Compliance) to ensure proper stewardship of sponsored funds in accordance with institutional and federal policies, as well as additional sponsor requirements. Leadership & Supervision Supervise and mentor post‑award administrators and support staff Establish workload distribution, performance expectations, and training plans Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and customer service across the post‑award team Lead process improvement initiatives, including the standardization and implementation of operating procedures; assess and strengthen post‑award policies, procedures, and internal controls Work closely with the Assistant Director, Pre‑Award to ensure a smooth and efficient transition from pre‑award to post‑award Work closely with the Director to monitor award growth, risk exposure, compliance trends, gaps in infrastructure, weaknesses and deficiencies in internal controls; recommend operational improvements Post‑Award Function and Oversight Review proposal budgets and budget justifications prior to submission to ensure costs are allowable and sufficiently justified Oversee award setup, account establishment, and budget allocation Monitor expenditures for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness and consistency with institutional policies Review and approve cost transfers/labor redistributions, rebudgeting, and no‑cost extensions consistent with both institutional and federal policies Ensure timely submission of all required non‑financial reports Coordinate award closeout activities Policy, Process and Maintenance Ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, and sponsor terms and conditions Interface with sponsors when there are questions related to guidelines, regulations and compliance issues; remain current on changes to federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures Work with OG & C leadership and staff on how to best implement and maintain compliance function Oversee effort commitments and serve as main point of contact for the Research Accounting Office for effort certification Provide guidance on allowable costs, prior approvals, and audit readiness Support the OG & C Director in responding to internal and external audit requests Establish standards for document retention in institutional award records; monitor records for completeness and accuracy; perform regular audits of dashboard data and correct/update as needed Monitor the OG & C website to ensure resources are accurate and up to date Post‑Award Training and Engagement Build relationships with individuals and areas across the University engaged with sponsored projects; participate in various University committees and ad‑hoc working groups related to sponsored projects matters Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned Minimum Qualifications Formal Education: Bachelor’s degree required Minimum Work Experience: At least 5 years’ experience working directly with sponsored awards and contracts in a Higher Ed setting Work Skills: Attention to detail Ability to work independently and prioritize workload Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex requirements into simple and actionable recommendations Possess critical thinking and strategic problem‑solving skills Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all professional matters Friendly and supportive demeanor, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally Specific Job Knowledge: Thorough understanding of federal grant regulations and their implementation in the higher education setting Ability to understand contractual requirementsAbility to apply federal and sponsor regulations to financial transactions, sponsored award budgets and sponsored award proposal content Supervisory or team leadership experience Process improvement mindset Equipment Knowledge: Fluency in Microsoft Office suite Preferred Qualifications MS or CRA certification preferred Knowledge of Cayuse Suite and Banner preferred Villanova is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to the University’s mission and values. Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr Villanova University