Job Summary

Position oversees and directs post-award sponsored programs management for the Amherst campus.  The Director leads the Office of Post-Award Management (OPAM), which is responsible for accepting, reviewing, and negotiating externally sponsored awards on behalf of the University and for providing post-award administrative support for sponsored programs.  Additionally, the Director serves as an expert resource to Campus executives and leaders in the area of post-award sponsored programs.

Essential Functions

• Exercise oversight and authority as Institutional Authorized Representative with signature authority on externally sponsored awards, and including interaction with sponsoring agencies, faculty investigators, campus leadership, and other professional staff.
• Ensure the provision of high-quality sponsored programs support to faculty investigators with specific responsibility for the post-award phase (i.e., receipt, review, negotiation, acceptance and post award administrative management).
• Supervision and staff development for professional grant and contract administrators, including reviewing work product; signing awards negotiated by professional staff; and ensuring performance quality and metrics appropriate for evaluating/monitoring Post Award Management functions.
• Participate in strategic and unit planning in collaboration with other Research & Engagement units; lead strategic planning and identify strategic priorities of the campus as they relate to Post-Award Management; draft the strategic goals of OPAM, and lead efforts to achieve them, ensuring they align with and contribute to the goals of Research & Engagement executive area and more broadly with the University.
• Formulate and implement administrative policies and business processes to ensure compliance with Federal, State, University and sponsor requirements, to provide efficient and effective service and support to faculty investigators.
• Develop and promote educational activities, including workshops, seminars, meetings and electronic resources, to orient investigators and the campus community to the particular requirements of sponsored programs administration and compliance specific to OPAM and in collaboration with other Research &Engagement offices and the Controller’s Office.
• Provide leadership and expertise regarding the most complex and difficult sponsored program awards (e.g., international, multi-site, center-scale).
• Develop and maintain contacts in Federal, State and private sector agencies sponsoring activities at the University; participate in professional development to maintain and enhance professional expertise and knowledge.
• Maintain and promote the liaison relationships with offices of the Vice Chancellor for Research & Engagement, the UM Innovation Institute, Research Compliance, the Technology Transfer Office, University Controller, General Counsel, Human Resources, Budget Office, Deans, Department Heads/Chairs and other administrative offices.
• Participate in appropriate campus committees and working groups (e.g., Research Council).
• Ensure OPAM’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; promote a diversity of perspectives among Post Award staff; foster an environment that is welcoming of all and supports individuals’ desire for growth and development; participate as appropriate in campus-based and professional association DEI programs and opportunities.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree in Business/Public Administration with knowledge of contract law, federal and state regulations, or  economic development and 3-5 years of directly related experience; or a BA/BS and 7 years of broad experience in sponsored programs with increasing responsibility in grant and contract administration; one (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted for every one (1) year of required academia.
• Demonstrated supervisory ability.
• Superior analytical, interpersonal, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Ability to work with precision under pressure.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Five (5) years supervisory experience in higher education sponsored program.
• Eight (8) years’ experience reviewing, approving or managing proposals for external sponsorship and/or managing fiscal issues related to sponsored program awards.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; analytical abilities; and demonstrated negotiation skills. Ability to interact effectively with faculty members, administrators, business managers, and sponsoring representatives.

Additional Details

This role has the potential for hybrid or remote work mode according to our flexible work guidelines.

Work Schedule

• 37.5 hrs/wk

Salary Information

PSU Salary Level 33

PSU Pay Schedule

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (phone and email) for three professional references by October 20, 2021 for priority consideration. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.