Post Award Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

The Post Award Director reports to the Assistant Vice President for Sponsored Research and Administration and is responsible for the management of financial activities, financial reporting, audit support, and oversight of the Post Award staff in the University’s Office of Sponsored Programs. This position works to ensure effective management of sponsored research post-award activities and assures compliance with federal, state, and private regulations concerning research grants and contracts terms and conditions. This is a hybrid position that requires weekly on-campus hours.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Provide leadership, operational management, coordination, and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Post Award Department and staff in a manner that is conducive to collaboration, compassion, and commitment to furthering Rowan University’s research mission.
2. Manage annual year-end activities, including preparation of year-end journal entries and schedule of expenditures required by federal Uniform Guidance (i.e. SEFA) and the State of New Jersey (i.e. SESA). Systematically monitor and participate in all external and internal audit investigations and proactively identify and remediate all potential and/or previously identified audit issues and control weaknesses. Maintain records and communications with senior leadership about audit-related activity.
3. Oversee the financial aspects of the University's sub-awardee monitoring activities, including assessing the financial risks inherent in doing business with sub-awardees, coordinating annual risk reviews, creating and implementing management plans (as necessary), reviewing the cost allowability of sub-awardee invoices, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations and both prime and sub-awardee terms and conditions.
4. Monitor University-sponsored funds and activities according to federal and state regulations and guidelines, including those published by the Federal Office of Management and Budget. Direct the preparation of required financial reports to sponsors. Oversee grant closeouts according to institutional and sponsor agency policy and good accounting practices. Interpret regulations and guidelines for the University and advise on policy and procedure development. Evaluate risks and initiate changes where appropriate. Maintain current expertise in all applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, and proposed changes to such.
5. Conduct annual analysis of OSP's contracts and compile relevant data to support the university's annual 990-T filing.
6. Work closely with the Division of Finance’s staff to support questions and work related to grant billing and collection activity. Work collaboratively to ensure appropriate controls, systems, and reconciliation processes are in place.
7. Lead continuous process and operational improvement initiatives to reduce cycle-times, improve overall compliance posture, and remove unnecessary administrative burdens. Serve as an expert in interpreting and explaining research policies and guidelines from granting agencies as it relates to post award activities.
8. Participate in research administration and financial system functional requirements assessment and implementation; assist with testing and implementation of functionality. On an ongoing basis, evaluate and improve operating metrics and service levels provided to the University’s grant and contract recipients and departmental administrators. Identify and recommend system enhancements to minimize obstacles, streamline processes, and increase efficiency of grant and contract related activities.
9. Evaluate and enhance Post Award team interactions with Principal Investigators, department administrators, Division of Finance staff and external stakeholders. Ensure the office will provide knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and timely support to the research community.
10. Represent the interests of the Deans, Chairs, faculty, staff, and senior leadership in defining, developing, and implementing institutional business operations to effectively encourage and support Post Award compliance activities.
11. Support senior leadership in the development of institutional policies, procedures, and training that support the conduct of sponsored research, research compliance, and information technology specific to research administration.
12. Liaise with extramural sponsors, federal, state, and local governments, and private sector agencies on matters relating to sponsored programs Post Award administration.
13. In conjunction with Accounting Services and the University’s cognizant agency, coordinate the development and preparation of the annual Fringe Benefit rate proposal.
14. Participate in the development and preparation of the indirect cost recovery (F&A) proposal; coordinate negotiations with the University's cognizant agency.
15. When necessary