Post-Award Grants Manager

Overview

Salary Range: $78,000 - $85,000

Position Summary

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University advances the state-of-the-art in data science; transforms all fields, professions, and sectors through the application of  data science; and ensures the responsible use of data to benefit society.  

DSI invites candidates for the role of Post-Award Grants Manager to support our Finance and Grants function. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring monthly grant activity and expenditures posted to grant projects, serve as liaison to Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA), Sponsored Projects Finance (SPF) and other collaborating departments to ensure grants are being properly managed. S/he will also ensure all required annual/interim progress reports and final/closeout documents to sponsors are handled appropriately. 

The Post-Award Grants Manager will work to assure that the administration of sponsored programs related to research is in compliance with federal, state and private  agency rules and regulations. This position will report directly to the Director of Post-Award Finance.

Responsibilities

• During the lifecycle of the award, provide efficient and effective post-award accounting, management and reconciliation to faculty and administrators
• Review Notices of Award, in coordination with the University's SPA Contract  Officer, and legal if needed, to be cognizant of terms and conditions, project and financial reporting schedules and other financial or project management requirements related to the award. 
• Ensure personnel are appropriately allocated to the project, according to the terms of the award. Monitor payroll transactions to ensure the salary costs are  appropriately applied according to sponsor guidelines and institutional policy. Monitor committed effort versus awarded effort.  
• Complete financial forecasting, monthly budget-to-actual analysis, and proactive monitoring of burn rates. 
• Ensure all non-salary expenses are allowable, allocable and reasonable and facilitate the processing of these expenses.  
• Initiate, manage and modify subawards when needed. 
• Ensure timely processing of required annual/ interim progress reports and final/closeout documents to  sponsors based on established procedures; 
• Analyze, coordinate, and approve requests for prior approval of post-award changes and actions; 
• Review, coordinate, and negotiate award modifications; 
• Assist PIs, department staff, and central-administration staff in solving project related administrative problems and issues; 
• Advise concerned parties of their responsibilities in meeting special or unusual award requirements; coordinate award closeout activities, including final reconciliation, ensuring sponsor deadlines are met. 
• Ensure compliance with award regulatory terms, University policies, federal regulations, sponsor terms, and conditions, and audit readiness. 
• Develop and/or improve post-award processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support operational efficiency.
• Initiate, manage & modify sub-awards when needed. 
• Ensure timely processing of required annual and interim progress reports to sponsors based on established procedures; 
• Analyze, coordinate, and approve requests for prior approval of post-award changes and actions; 
• Review, coordinate, and negotiate award modifications; 
• Assist PIs, department staff, and central-administration staff in solving project related administrative problems and issues; 
• Advise concerned parties of their responsibilities in meeting special or unusual award requirements; 
• Ensure compliance with award regulatory terms and University policies;
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus three years of related experience required.
• Experience managing complex sponsored research portfolios and interpreting sponsor regulations
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.  
• Ability to effectively prioritize a large volume of work in a demanding and deadline driven environment 
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline is highly desired. 
• Education, background, or strong interest in data science, engineering, technology, etc.
• Portfolio/work samples will be expected as part of the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.