Director of Contracts​/Grants

Primary Purpose Of Position

The position of Director of the Office of Contracts & Grant Accounting is an administrative level position directly reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research. This position is responsible for all research related post-award grant and contract activities including post-award financial and non-financial actions, as well as post-award financial reporting.

Classification Type: EHRA

Position Overview: The position is part of the administrative team with leadership responsibilities for a staff of an accounting manager and grant accountants, and a business service coordinator. This position is a direct liaison between the Division of Research and the Division of Business & Finance. Administrative/programmatic duties include establishing departmental goals, setting priorities, managing resources, developing concepts and approaches, reviewing progress and making management decisions.

Ensures policies and procedures are in place to meet federal compliance, collaborating with the Office of Internal Audit as needed. Reviews new policies and procedures related to post-award management and financial compliance, oversees accuracy of systems for tracking contracts and grants post-award activity, including the Banner Accounting system and Info Ed and other support systems, and identifies and implements new systems where needed.

NC A&T obtains millions of dollars in funding from the federal government as well as other government and non-government agencies. These funding sources generate over 200 current research projects valued at more than $300 million, with numerous regulations. The Director is responsible for a staff of 14 positions who adhere to procedures, maintain accounting and reporting, approve budgets and revisions as allowable by funding regulations, provide cash management, provide guidance to faculty in their research pursuits and facilitate processing to ensure faculty research is not impeded by unnecessary tedium.

The position leads the financial, regulatory and compliance management of funded projects after they are awarded, overseeing teams that handle award setup, spending, reporting, audits, and closeouts ensuring adherence to federal rules and university policies, and serving as a key resource for faculty/staff. This senior role involves strategic leadership, staff supervision, process improvement, and liaison with sponsors and university leadership, requiring deep knowledge of research administration and grants management.

Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, will accept a four-year degree in accounting or business, with minimum of 3 years’ experience in a contracts and grants related field emphasizing management, planning, and systems; must have supervisory experience. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is required.

Four-year degree in accounting or business, with minimum of 3 years’ experience in a contracts and grants related field emphasizing management, planning, and systems; must have supervisory experience and strong analytical and problem solving skills. Research administration training through professional research organizations like NCURA and SRA is a plus. Leadership and human resource management skills are critical to this position. Knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations, as well as abilities in comprehension of intricate contract terms and conditions;

skills in use of computers, including data mining through use of Internet, word processing, spreadsheet applications. Use of Banner Financial Accounting system will be required. Clear understanding of general accounting is critical.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is required.

Working Title:

Director of Contracts/Grants
Position Number: 000092
Recruitment Salary Range:
Commensurate with education and experience
FLSA:
Exempt
Appoint…