Grants & Contracts Office Program Supervisor - Office of Research

GCO Program Supervisor

The Office of Research helps to facilitate life-saving biomedical research at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Nine distinct units provide specialized support to meet the administrative needs of our investigators and research staff, and together we coordinate, regulate, and monitor research studies. Our Grants and Contracts Office (GCO) unit supports MCW investigators and research staff in submitting competitive, compliant, and high-quality funding proposals.

The GCO Program Supervisor (Grants Analyst III) is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing large, complex program initiatives across teams, departments, or centers. The Program Supervisor acts as a bridge between researchers and institutional stakeholders, including Office of Research and GCO. The role ensures MCW's proposals for these research projects are completed on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals. Utilizing an expertise of daily working knowledge of regulatory and institutional policies, the GCO Program Supervisor monitors daily activities, identifies workflow issues, and collaborates with leadership to implement solutions. The Program Supervisor conducts final proposal reviews and serves as an authorized business official for MCW. They work closely with investigators to facilitate, submit, negotiate, and award complex institutional grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a defined portfolio of research proposals, grants, and programs, including high-priority or complex initiatives. Provide strategic oversight across the full award lifecycle to ensure alignment with institutional goals and sponsor requirements.
• Execute complex pre-award, non-financial post-award, and closeout administration for federal, federal pass-through, nonprofit, local, state, and internal grants and contracts, ensuring expert compliance guidance, operational accuracy, and professional stewardship throughout the award lifecycle.
• Engage with researchers, faculty, administrators, and stakeholders to advance research program goals and foster strong collaborative relationships with central Business Office.
• Contribute to data-driven reporting, analysis, and performance tracking.
• Facilitate communication of portfolio's status, risks, and outcomes of each proposal and/or award to stakeholders and Office of Research Leaders or institutional leadership.
• Promote awareness and utilization of support services; respond to inquiries and provide tailored guidance.
• Participate in institutional initiatives to advance research program capabilities.
• Assist in testing eBridge upgrades, enhancements and issues.
• In collaboration with GCO staff, develop and maintain support materials including web based documentation and resources.
• Partner with other GCO analysts and MCW stakeholders and participate in team-based projects, as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

• Pre-award clinical research support is a lengthy, detailed and structured process that requires an individual to have strong organizational skills and persistent follow through. Must have solid knowledge of related federal regulations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Office of Management and Budget, and ability to interpret organizational policies and guidelines for research management.
• Proven ability to maintain balance between positive relationships with external sponsors and internal personnel while adhering to the requirements of the institution. Ability to maintain confidences, perform effectively in a stressful, deadline-driven environment, and effectively plan and organize projects impacting the work of others. Positive advocacy of the goals and objectives of the unit, department and mission of MCW is essential. Flexibility with internal processes and timelines is fundamental. Must have strong customer service skills that includes courteous and helpful behavior; accomplishing tasks through teamwork and initiative; ensuring timely and thorough responses to complaints and critiques; and anticipating the needs of all those with whom you work.
• Strong project management skills and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Strong critical thinking, problem solving and attentiveness to detail are required. Must have strong computer skills and high comfort level with multiple web-based systems.

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education an on equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Bachelor's degree

Minimum Required Experience: 7 years

Preferred Education: Master's or advanced degree preferred

Preferred Experience: Related experience in grants administration, contract negotiation; internal candidates encouraged to apply

Required Certification/Licensure(s): Certified Research Administrator (CRA)

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring Collaborative Curiosity Inclusive Integrity Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.