Senior Project Manager, Administration and Finance

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Washington College of Law

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

This position will play a critical leadership role in the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property (PIJIP) 5-year $6.5 million project on Copyright and the Right to Research, including the creation of a new Geneva Center collaboration of university-based intellectual property and information law research centers. The position oversee all financial and administrative operations, working in close partnership with the Principal Investigator to develop and manage a vision to grow the Geneva Center, including through new funders and revenue streams. As the lead financial and administrative officer for the program, this position is responsible for managing large, complex grants, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and strategically aligning financial resources to support the project and Center’s mission. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in grant management, budgeting, and financial reporting, with a proven track record in securing and managing significant research funding.

The position will lead grant and contract drafting and management, financial tracking, drafting and managing subcontracts and personal services agreements, and event and project logistics such as venue contracting, participant support, and travel booking and reimbursement. The position serves as the primary liaison to WCL Finance, the Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Administration (OSARA), Accounts Payable, Procurement and Contracts (PCD), and other offices engaged in supporting the management of grants, contracts and gifts. The position takes a lead in developing and processing grant and gift applications and fee-based courses and other revenue creating programs,. The position supervises other administrative support staff as assigned, including initially a graduate assistant to assist process reimbursements, reconcile financial transactions and invoices, procure services, coordinate hiring, and process other administrative finance actions.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.) Finance and administrative management

• The position will manage all administrative and financial aspects of the project and the Center, including ensuring compliance with all American University and Funder policies, processes and paperwork.

• The position will draft and process contracts and serve as the main point of contact for all technical contractual questions, including invoicing and amendment requests.

2.) Event and Activity Financial Management

• The position will support the planning and implementation of the project’s events and other activities, including logistics, participant and travel support, contracting for venues and expenses, and ensuring timely procurement of any needed services.

3.) Fundraising proposals and reporting

• The position will prepare grant, contract and gift proposals, proposals for new fee-based courses and other programs, as well as annual financial and narrative reports to funders and the University.

4.) Budget management

• The position will maintain a routine tracking of budgets along with the Finance Assistant and regularly inform the PI of its status and any actions needed.

• The position will be the main conduit to the WCL finance team, OSARA, PCD, and other administrative support offices within AU.

• The position will supervise a Finance Assistant (a part-time or graduate student worker) to support the financial manageme