Senior Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Grant/Contract Administrator, Division of Research & Innovation at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

Coordinate sponsored program administrative functions for a School/College/Division or other unit with large, complex sponsored projects. This includes fiscal and administrative review of sponsored grant and contract proposals; review and processing of agreements; and the management and processing of financial transactions. Position duties require knowledge of and experience in University accounting and budgeting and sponsored program administration.

 

Essential Job Functions:

 

Coordinate both the pre and post award aspects of the sponsored project administration process for complex, multifaceted sponsored program proposals and other unit proposals for a School/College/Division or other unit1 to ensure compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations

 

Assist faculty in identifying funding opportunities and in preparing proposals to promote research and other sponsored grant activity. Review proposal budgets and narratives for compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable requirements; submit proposals to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) to obtain required approvals.

 

Review awarded grants and contracts in collaboration with SPA for fiscal and contractual content; review accompanying budgets for variance from proposal and to ensure funds are established appropriately in the University accounting system. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with University, sponsor and other applicable policies, procedures, rules and regulations; Assist faculty with budget transfers and project period extension requests; Monitor monthly payroll lists and authorize new accounts or payroll extensions; Review and coordinate close-out documents for sponsored projects.

 

Serve as a resource to faculty and other staff within the unit by providing information and guidance on appropriate use of sponsored project funds. Serve as a primary liaison between principal investigators and SPA to identify and resolve problems as well as answer inquiries regarding University or funding agency guidelines, policies and procedures.

 

Provide direct management over research funding.

 

Develop and maintain databases for unit specific information utilizing University information systems. Perform financial analysis and prepare reports for School, College, Division or Department and central University administration on sponsored proposal, award, and expenditure activity. Update and maintain reference material on research funding sources.

 

Supervise non-exempt clerical and accounting support staff including assignment of duties, training in policies and procedures and monitoring performance.

 

Perform other related work as assigned.

 

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

 

Additional Comments:

This position requires seasoned specialized knowledge and experience in both pre and post award administration of sponsored grants and contracts and the ability to manage large, complex projects. Work activities require expertise in and accurate application of University accounting and budgeting and sponsored project administration policies, procedures and practices. Incumbents are expected to se