Overview
A health sciences academic institution is seeking a professional to join their Office of Proposal & Award Management (OPAM) within the Research Development & Administration unit. This role supports the institution's research community by managing pre-award and post-award administration of sponsored projects, including grant and contract proposal submission, contract negotiation, interpretation and implementation of sponsor terms, and fiscal management.
Responsibilities
Monthly Award Management
- Review account setups for accuracy and compliance with terms and conditions.
- Approve final cost invoices, prepare and submit event invoices and financial reports ensuring compliance with contract terms, institutional policies, and federal and state laws.
- Prepare and process PAB entries and balance transfers.
- Monitor accounts receivable and resolve payment discrepancies.
- Monitor overdrafts and resolve issues with departments.
- Research and correct posting errors.
- Ensure accurate recovery of Facilities & Administrative (F&A) costs.
- Complete various ad hoc reports for departments and sponsors.
- Review and approve institutional forms.
- Prepare re-budget requests and process budget adjustments.
- Prepare and review cost transfers.
- Maintain electronic files.
- Conduct high-level expenditure reviews.
- Use tracking tools to monitor activities.
- Review final subaward invoices and assist with issue resolution.
- Close out accounts at project completion.
Compliance
- Work with limited supervision and sponsor guidance.
- Research, analyze, interpret, and apply federal, nonfederal, institutional, and award-specific policies and guidelines.
- Assess risk and escalate issues appropriately.
- Resolve departmental issues with minimal management intervention.
- Collaborate with various departments to resolve award-related issues.
- Determine allowability and reasonableness of departmental transactions.
- Ensure actions meet audit standards.
- Prepare, review, and follow up on activities related to grant and contract accounts.
- Review and contribute to internal procedures for efficiency and control.
Quality Management
- Participate in developing and maintaining quality standards for award management.
- Develop and maintain consistency with coworkers on award management practices.
- Ensure data submitted for entry is complete and accurate.
- Participate in account and file reviews.
- Develop, review, and contribute to internal procedures for quality and efficiency.
Productivity and Goals
- Meet predetermined productivity goals.
- Review account setups within 2 business days.
- Prepare and submit financial reports and invoices by deadlines.
- Maintain accounts receivable aging and inactive project metrics within specified thresholds.
Customer Service, Education, and Outreach
- Provide superior customer service to internal and external contacts.
- Provide one-on-one training and assist in developing formal training materials.
- Communicate with sponsors on behalf of the institution.
- Provide post-award expertise and educational assistance to department contacts.
- Communicate via phone, email, and virtual platforms.
- Meet regularly with departments.
General Responsibilities
- Assist in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Maintain professional development by staying current with institutional policies, regulations, and sponsor policies.
- Attend national meetings, training sessions, and conferences as budget allows.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with 18 credit hours in accounting from an accredited college or university.
- Five years of financial analysis experience, including two years of grant-related experience (grant experience may be waived with demonstrated ability).
- Working knowledge of sponsored projects/fund accounting and automated accounting systems.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to exercise diplomacy and maintain professionalism with faculty, staff, and external funding agencies.
- Ability to use independent professional judgment.
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
- Comfortable working in a changing environment with excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a university or college setting with post-award administrative responsibilities.
- Advanced experience using computerized applications.
- Ability to interpret and apply requirements from 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, NIH Grants Policy Statement, and other sponsor regulations.
- Minimum of five years of professional experience.
Compensation & Benefits
- Full healthcare coverage for full-time employees; 88% coverage for dependents.
- $50,000 term life insurance provided at no cost.
- Choice of two above-market pension plans.
- Vacation accrual up to 200 hours per year based on length of service.
- Sick leave accrual up to 96 hours per year.
- Nine paid holidays annually.
- Substantial public transit discounts.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Childcare service discounts.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Employee discounts at local and national businesses.
Location
Position is based in Portland, Oregon, at a public academic health center serving Oregon and Southwest Washington.