Senior Grant & Contract Manager (10632)

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Summary/Objective

This position (1) provides technical, budgetary and consultative service to faculty and administrators seeking support for research, programmatic initiatives, technical assistance and training programs from government agencies, corporations and private foundations; (2) represents the university before external sponsoring agencies (federal, state and private) in negotiating and administering contractual and grant instruments; and (3) assists faculty in administering external funding in accordance with relevant sponsor policy, federal regulations, and AU policies. The Senior Grant & Contract Manager develops training programs for OSP staff and the university community. The Senior Grant & Contract Manager works on special complex grant projects as assigned by the Director of Sponsored Programs.

The Senior Grant & Contract Manager reports to the Director of Sponsored Programs, along with other Grant and Contract Managers. This position provides essential assistance to faculty and administrators in securing and administering grants and contracts, and is responsible for ensuring that programs adhere to the terms and conditions specified in grants and contracts.

This position provides sponsored research support for faculty members and research centers across the university and works on a team managing an award volume for sponsor commitments each year between $45 million – $55 million.

Essential Functions

Provide Pre-award administration or Post-award administration: The balance of time distributed between items 1 and 2 will depend on the incumbent, team composition, and needs of the office. Administers complex grants and contracts to ensure adherence to terms and conditions. Seeks amendments and changes when necessary. Interprets contractual jargon, policies, procedures, and contract instruments. Provides contractual advice to faculty, staff, and financial units of the individual schools and colleges. Serves as a resource to the pre-award and post-award accounting teams. Negotiates on behalf of the university, the value, terms and conditions of the contract, grant, and sub-awards to obtain funds on acceptable terms subject to final review by the Director and ratification by an authorized signatory. Prepares contract and subcontract documents. Serves as a resource to the post-award team. Leads the University’s response to RFP’s, research grant announcements, and unsolicited proposals by managing all aspects of proposal production to reduce the administrative burden on faculty, administrators, and staff, thereby encouraging sponsored program development. 

Takes a lead role in development of the training programs relating to sponsored programs for the university community. This may include quarterly grant round tables, training on grant administration for individual academic units, and participation in department retreats or other in-depth professional development opportunities for the OSP and Office of Research staff.

Works on other projects as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Full Time, 35 hours/week.

• Sr. Coordinator/Analyst A.

• Exempt.

Salary Range

• $73,000.00 – $85,000.00/year; to commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent.

• 4-6 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree.

• 5-8 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• The Senior Grant & Contract Manager must exhibit special aptitude for critical and analytical thought, project conceptualization and examination of legal/research issues.

• Two to three years of significant training development in the area of sponsored programs is required, including the development of presentations and materials.

• The ability to develop and encourage working groups that are dedicated to reviewing specific issues and solving problems is required.

• This position requires knowledge of personnel, payroll, accounting, contract and related legal ramifications.

• A demonstrated ability to maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty and staff and to relate to faculty members’ projects and research interests on a professional level is necessary.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options .

Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log into AsuccessfulU through the myAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page. 

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.