Assistant Director of Post-Award, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
Academic Careers, Seattle, WA, United States
Assistant Director of Post-Award, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects
Months per year: 12
Hours per week: 37.5
Employment status: Full‑Time
Work model: Hybrid Eligible*
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcoming, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University’s Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration:
Works harmoniously with others toward a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication:
Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non‑verbally.
Ethics and Integrity:
Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation:
Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity, adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion:
Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes‑Driven Orientation:
Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Position Description The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) supports the SU community in securing and managing external funding for scholarship and programmatic initiatives; assisting SU faculty and staff in advancing their scholarship, research, and creative works; pursuing strategic initiatives; and furthering community engagement in pursuit of these goals.
The Assistant Director (AD) of Post‑Award is a newly created leadership role responsible for implementing post‑award operations, including financial monitoring, compliance, reporting, and award closeout. This position ensures effective coordination of all post‑award activities—such as budget revisions, faculty payroll actions, and agency reporting—while serving as a key liaison between faculty, university offices, and sponsors. The AD collaborates with the Director and Associate Directors of Research Development (RD) and Pre‑award to promote responsible stewardship, institutional compliance, and efficient grant management. After focusing on setting up and updating the post‑award infrastructure, this position will take on supervision of the Grant Management Specialist.
This role requires a proactive, service‑oriented professional who takes initiative and operates with a continuous process improvement mindset. This person must manage competing demands and maintain a high attention to detail. Serving as a resource of grants management for the ORSP team and for principal investigators and other campus constituents, this individual must exhibit excellent communication and customer service skills. The role requires someone who can manage complex logistics, support research and reporting efforts, and contribute meaningfully to the strategic goals of the ORSP.
Leadership & Supervision (25%)
Serve as a mentor for grants management staff in ORSP and across campus, and support their professional development.
Propose new policies and procedures, and necessary updates to increase efficiency of grants management processes to the ORSP leadership team.
Implement approved recommendations to post‑award policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, sponsor, and institutional requirements.
Draft and revise subaward and contractor process, agreement templates, and related documentation.
Develop and provide relevant trainings and communications related to research administration best practices for our campus community.
Perform complex analysis, including historical synopsis, of grant finance and award data.
Engage regularly in opportunities for growth and development, including engaging in relevant listservs and professional organizations, as well as participating in relevant conferences and training.
Grow into a supervisory role for the Grant Management Specialist.
Award Set‑up and Transition (15%)
In coordination with ADs of Pre‑Award, review and negotiate awards and agreements.
Set‑up account in Workday and OneAegis systems.
Lead new award set‑up and facilitate onboarding for project teams.
Draft and review contract agreements, including subawards, in collaboration with University Counsel, to meet the needs of sponsored projects activities.
Participate in team meetings to address post‑award issues and coordinate sponsor communications, as appropriate.
Support communication with sponsors and other external partners, as needed.
Financial Management (50%)
Monitor and reconcile grant accounts, including cost‑share commitments.
Develop and implement process for financial projections of sponsored projects.
Develop and identify a process for ensuring timely resolution of financial discrepancies.
Provide regular and accurate budget updates to principal investigators and project support staff.
Oversee and direct the processing and approvals of sponsored projects transactions (payroll actions, procurement, invoice processing, etc.).
Monitor and manage subaward and contractor agreements.
Facilitate meetings to review financial status, spending trends and projections, and required reporting.
Coordinate project rebudgeting and other project changes in collaboration with the PI.
Manage prior approval requests and sponsor communications as appropriate.
Lead the award closeout process, including early preparation to ensure timely and compliant closure.
Serve as back‑up for Grant Management Specialist duty (processing transactions, contracts, etc.).
Serve as ORSP liaison with university financial offices.
Regulatory Compliance (10%)
Approve and negotiate terms and conditions for award agreements, contracts, and consulting agreements in consultation with University Counsel.
Consult with University Counsel and other campus regulatory offices (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Biosafety, Student Financial Services) as needed.
Communicate compliance processes and protocols with Principal Investigators and grants management staff.
May act as sponsored‑agreement related point of contact for state, federal and sponsor audits.
Remain up‑to‑date with current sponsor and government policies and regulations (e.g., the uniform guidance, NSF PAPPG, etc.).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field.
3 or more years of experience in research administration or sponsored project management.
Experience in higher education or with federally funded research projects.
Strong leadership skills and demonstrated progression of responsibilities.
Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
High attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
2 or more years of supervisory experience.
Familiarity and proficiency with Workday.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
Familiarity with federal agency reporting requirements and post‑award financial processes.
Application Instructions Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance Salary Range: $77,900 - $86,300
Benefits at a Glance Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long‑term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar‑for‑dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Hybrid Eligible This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3‑6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on‑campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.
To apply To apply, please visit https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/2965?c=seattleu
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Hours per week: 37.5
Employment status: Full‑Time
Work model: Hybrid Eligible*
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcoming, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University’s Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration:
Works harmoniously with others toward a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication:
Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non‑verbally.
Ethics and Integrity:
Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation:
Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity, adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion:
Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes‑Driven Orientation:
Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Position Description The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) supports the SU community in securing and managing external funding for scholarship and programmatic initiatives; assisting SU faculty and staff in advancing their scholarship, research, and creative works; pursuing strategic initiatives; and furthering community engagement in pursuit of these goals.
The Assistant Director (AD) of Post‑Award is a newly created leadership role responsible for implementing post‑award operations, including financial monitoring, compliance, reporting, and award closeout. This position ensures effective coordination of all post‑award activities—such as budget revisions, faculty payroll actions, and agency reporting—while serving as a key liaison between faculty, university offices, and sponsors. The AD collaborates with the Director and Associate Directors of Research Development (RD) and Pre‑award to promote responsible stewardship, institutional compliance, and efficient grant management. After focusing on setting up and updating the post‑award infrastructure, this position will take on supervision of the Grant Management Specialist.
This role requires a proactive, service‑oriented professional who takes initiative and operates with a continuous process improvement mindset. This person must manage competing demands and maintain a high attention to detail. Serving as a resource of grants management for the ORSP team and for principal investigators and other campus constituents, this individual must exhibit excellent communication and customer service skills. The role requires someone who can manage complex logistics, support research and reporting efforts, and contribute meaningfully to the strategic goals of the ORSP.
Leadership & Supervision (25%)
Serve as a mentor for grants management staff in ORSP and across campus, and support their professional development.
Propose new policies and procedures, and necessary updates to increase efficiency of grants management processes to the ORSP leadership team.
Implement approved recommendations to post‑award policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, sponsor, and institutional requirements.
Draft and revise subaward and contractor process, agreement templates, and related documentation.
Develop and provide relevant trainings and communications related to research administration best practices for our campus community.
Perform complex analysis, including historical synopsis, of grant finance and award data.
Engage regularly in opportunities for growth and development, including engaging in relevant listservs and professional organizations, as well as participating in relevant conferences and training.
Grow into a supervisory role for the Grant Management Specialist.
Award Set‑up and Transition (15%)
In coordination with ADs of Pre‑Award, review and negotiate awards and agreements.
Set‑up account in Workday and OneAegis systems.
Lead new award set‑up and facilitate onboarding for project teams.
Draft and review contract agreements, including subawards, in collaboration with University Counsel, to meet the needs of sponsored projects activities.
Participate in team meetings to address post‑award issues and coordinate sponsor communications, as appropriate.
Support communication with sponsors and other external partners, as needed.
Financial Management (50%)
Monitor and reconcile grant accounts, including cost‑share commitments.
Develop and implement process for financial projections of sponsored projects.
Develop and identify a process for ensuring timely resolution of financial discrepancies.
Provide regular and accurate budget updates to principal investigators and project support staff.
Oversee and direct the processing and approvals of sponsored projects transactions (payroll actions, procurement, invoice processing, etc.).
Monitor and manage subaward and contractor agreements.
Facilitate meetings to review financial status, spending trends and projections, and required reporting.
Coordinate project rebudgeting and other project changes in collaboration with the PI.
Manage prior approval requests and sponsor communications as appropriate.
Lead the award closeout process, including early preparation to ensure timely and compliant closure.
Serve as back‑up for Grant Management Specialist duty (processing transactions, contracts, etc.).
Serve as ORSP liaison with university financial offices.
Regulatory Compliance (10%)
Approve and negotiate terms and conditions for award agreements, contracts, and consulting agreements in consultation with University Counsel.
Consult with University Counsel and other campus regulatory offices (e.g., Institutional Review Board, Biosafety, Student Financial Services) as needed.
Communicate compliance processes and protocols with Principal Investigators and grants management staff.
May act as sponsored‑agreement related point of contact for state, federal and sponsor audits.
Remain up‑to‑date with current sponsor and government policies and regulations (e.g., the uniform guidance, NSF PAPPG, etc.).
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, business, or a related field.
3 or more years of experience in research administration or sponsored project management.
Experience in higher education or with federally funded research projects.
Strong leadership skills and demonstrated progression of responsibilities.
Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
High attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaborative tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
2 or more years of supervisory experience.
Familiarity and proficiency with Workday.
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
Familiarity with federal agency reporting requirements and post‑award financial processes.
Application Instructions Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Compensation at a Glance Salary Range: $77,900 - $86,300
Benefits at a Glance Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long‑term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar‑for‑dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Hybrid Eligible This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule after successful completion of an introductory work period of 3‑6 months. This may mean that a hybrid eligible role will begin on‑campus initially and then will transition to hybrid format following onboarding and training. Flexible work plans are subject to periodic review and may be changed or terminated at any time for any reason at the university’s discretion.
To apply To apply, please visit https://seattleu.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/8/home/requisition/2965?c=seattleu
#J-18808-Ljbffr