Pre-Award Shared Services Program Director

Overview

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Research Services Program Director 

Working Title: Pre-Award Shared Services Program Director

Pre-Award Shared Services

Nature of Work

We have an exciting opportunity to join a growing Pre-Award Grants team!  The Pre-Award Shared Services (PASS) team is breaking new ground by creating procedures and processes aimed at streamlining grant submissions and improving the overall grant experience for Principal Investigators and Grant Specialists. PASS currently serves as the primary administrative unit for all grants and contracts submitted by faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and students from a variety of basic science and clinical science departments, as well as new and innovative centers and institutes. PASS sits at the intersection of School of Medicine departments, other SOM shared service groups, as well as the SOM Dean’s office, providing extensive opportunities for collaboration in the plans to expand, and further meet the needs of the SOM research community.

The Program Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategic vison and initiatives for PASS. The Program Director also develops and manages the programs goals, outcomes and budgets. In addition, the Program Director serves as a second level manager to PASS team members providing oversight, direction and leadership.  The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to exhibit exceptional leadership, strategic direction, and develop an innovative client service delivery model with a primary focus on partnering with and anticipating the needs of the Principal Investigators and their Administrators in the submission, negotiation and execution of grants and contracts.

The Program Director provides high quality, creative, and solutions-oriented support, advice, and counsel at the strategic, policy, and operational levels for grants administration for the departments and centers supported by PASS; and will collaborate closely with partners at the University, School, and the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) to ensure business standards and objectives are met. The Program Director has departmental fiduciary and operational responsibilities and is accountable for meeting standards for compliance with applicable School, University and Hospital policies, procedures, laws, etc.

Examples of Work Performed

• Develop, oversee and implement a variety of strategic and process improvement plans designed to optimize efficiencies and efficacy of PASS operations, while enhancing the services provided
• Develop sustainable growth initiatives for PASS, further serving the School of Medicine’s research community
• Lead and direct PASS operations including oversight for personnel, information technology, finances and other resources
• Facilitate the ongoing analysis of pre-award administration business processes, documenting and streamlining standard operating procedures and policy updates, and identifying goals and priorities in keeping with PASS’ strategic plan
• Interpret federal and state laws and regulations and university policies regarding pre-award activities and compliance
• Evaluate, establish, and maintain an organizational structure and staffing plan to accomplish PASS’ goals and objectives effectively and efficiently
• Establish standard operating procedures for service delivery and develop and monitor internal performance metrics
• Develop training materials and communication mechanisms to include instructional and training workshops for key stakeholders and clients of PASS
• Partner with IT and other partners to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) regarding issues that arise during the research and agreement administration processes and provide advice and counsel to constituents
• Act as a liaison with Office of Grants and Contracts and other stakeholders
• Evaluate, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data; develop and implement solutions
• Develop and manage the department budget, monitor monthly budget reports, identify variances, and take appropriate action

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Minimum Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration or related field
  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis
• 6 years of experience in pre-award administration of a complex and diverse portfolio grants/sponsored programs
• 3 years of direct supervision of professionals, including performance evaluations, staff development and recruitment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, public administration, research administration, health administration or related field
• Experience with InfoEd Proposal Development System or similar grant submission software
• Experience in an academic medical environment
• Experience with personnel management and policy implementation

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Significant knowledge and experience in the development, review, and submission of large, complex sponsored research proposals with significant implications for financial, regulatory and compliance oversight
• Knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, and the Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance, as they relate to sponsored program activity
• Evidence of leadership and ability to evaluate and direct the work of others, with a commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing a team
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Ability to work effectively with multiple priorities in a high-volume environment within tight timelines and deadline pressure
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion