Director, Research Administration and Compliance

Job Description:

• Responsible for cultivating a collaborative and comprehensive research infrastructure that will strengthen and streamline all key regulatory areas that support individual researchers, departments, and units to enhance the BSD research activity and preserve academic and financial integrity.
• Focus on continuous improvement and best practices through the development of robust practices to include training, policy, reporting and data analytics, to foster and drive quality practices.
• Advocate for the BSD through leadership and expertise ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, serving as a central resource to URA and providing guidance and stewardship supporting the entire research community.
• Provide leadership and oversight in the execution and negotiation of grants, proposals, contracts and other agreements using institutional values and promoting integrity, innovation, knowledge, collaboration, and effectiveness in service delivery.
• Develop and sustain a balance between a high level of service with research faculty while upholding a high level of operational efficiency for the divisional pre-award and post award operations in the BSD.
• Responsible for developing and implementing service-oriented processes and a robust scalable infrastructure in support of the BSDâ™s rapidly-expanding research programs.
• Implement best practices to ensure that the management of all grants, startup accounts and PI gifts are in compliance with federal, state, divisional, and university policies and procedures.
• Provide key indicator data and reports for sponsored research activities. Provide strategic planning for organizational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Develop divisional tools for grant monitoring and projections for executive reporting.
• Foster a culture of informed, self-directed compliance with institutional, federal and sponsor regulations.
• Responsible for the creation and delivery of a broad range of training and development programs to support the professional development and quality of work for research administration and academic leaders.
• Provides leadership in the area of staff development and continuing education, ensuring that all Research Administration staff interact and communicate promptly and effectively with other university units and know relevant current regulations and procedures.
• Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
• Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates. Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelorâ™s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field.
• Masterâ™s degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field.
• CRA, CIA or CPA.
   

Experience:

• 10 yearsâ™ experience in the oversight and leadership of research operations within a large and complex academic medical center
• 7+ years previous work experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government, or entity engaged in sponsored research
• Previous, proven experience supervising and mentoring staff.
• Extensive experience in proposal development, review, and submission; familiarity with government and private submission processes and systems.
• Extensive experience in contract review and negotiation.
• Extensive experience in grant proposal budget development and budget management.
• Extensive experience in cost accounting and financial reporting.
• Extensive knowledge of regulation governing human and animal subjects, faculty clearances, export controls, conflicts of interest, and research misconduct.
• Capable of presenting at various meetings across campus including faculty meetings and campus-wide meetings and at professional organizations.
• Knowledge of research administration and relevant trends, including federal and other sponsor regulation governing grant and contract administration, including the OMB Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and the laws and procedures regarding industry contracts, clinical trials and intellectual property
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies related to the protection of human subjects, animal welfare, conflict of interest, effort reporting, and scientific misconduct
• Thorough understanding of current public policy issues in the research arena
• Ability to supervise and motivate professional and administrative support staff in a team environment.  Working knowledge of current management principles and practices, skill in dealing with others in work relationships involving mentoring, conflict resolutions, the ability to resourcefully solve problems, and the ability to make difficult decisions.
• Demonstrated success with project management using exceptional organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience promoting faculty success in the areas of research and sponsored awards.
• Experience managing a budget.
• Microsoft Office Suite facility.

Preferred Competencies:

• Strong commitment to success of the team, ability to cooperate with others across boundaries and engage with colleagues respectfully to get things done.
• Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding critical thinking skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to move efficiently, navigate ambiguity, and collectively make an impact.
• Mastery of critical leadership competencies and behaviors, and demonstrated decisiveness.
• Ability to model institutional cultural values and attributes.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet aggressive deadlines.
• Ability to grasp the big picture and institutional goals to integrate into the facilities operation and capital programs.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think through complex challenges, develop collaborative solutions, and execute in ways that align with the organization's core values and strategic objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
   

Application Documents:

• Current resume that includes educational and professional work experience (Required).
• A cover letter which addresses your interest in and how you meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position (Required).

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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