Manager Award Setup

Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/9

Job Summary:

The Manager, Award Setup is a member of the Office for Sponsored Research (SR), supporting an innovative research ecosystem for ten schools and colleges, and all centers and departments across three campuses (Chicago, Evanston, Illinois and Doha, Qatar) at Northwestern University, a distinguished AAU institution.

Reporting to the Assistant Director, Systems/Data, the Manager, Award Setup will provide compliance and management support for (1) the establishment of all financial accounts for sponsored research awards; (2) non-financial post award management activities for a wide spectrum of awarded sponsored research contracts and agreements; and (3) targeted award acceptance-related support. The Manager Award Setup is responsible for the supervision, training, mentoring, performance management and development of all staff in the Award Setup team. In addition, the Manager will perform the responsibilities of the Award Setup Associates in a specific area or in multiple areas.

As part of Northwestern University's commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse campus community, Northwestern Sponsored Research is committed to being BRAVE (Battling Racism and Valuing Equity). Through deliberate words and actions, we actively endeavor to acknowledge the humanity and value of each of our colleagues.

The Manager, Award Setup will support the Office for Research mission and values by exhibiting the following: understand empathy, model accountability, ensure fairness, embrace community, and value creativity. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities.

Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description

Specific Responsibilities:

• Manages a team of six Award Setup Associates.
• Following established guidelines manages award establishment, and modification in CERES, the Northwestern electronic research administration system.
• Ensures compliance with university policy, federal regulatory and audit requirements in the establishment, review, and authorization of awards associated with external funding on behalf of Northwestern University in pursuit of institutional research objectives.
• Oversees the input of sponsored research awards in CERES, the electronic research administration for all Northwestern University sponsored projects and research agreements relating to research funded by industries, foundations and governments, clinical, basic and applied research, with a variety of entities both commercial and non-profit.
• Oversees the effective and efficient implementation of related post-award activities for funded sponsored research (e.g., award extensions, transfers, funding, personnel changes, etc.).
• Provides daily guidance and mentoring to Award Setup staff on operational and policy issues and routine activities.
• Manages workload assignments of Awards Setup Associates. Review and monitor the daily workflow of awards, aging list, and reassign work as needed. Lead team meetings.
• Maintains appropriate systems to track and manage unit-specific activities in a timely and accurate manner. Reports metrics on award processing where applicable. Develops and maintains up-to-date training materials, standards and operating procedures to ensure consistency in operations.
• Sets up and enters the annual cost share project budgets (approximately 12 per year) in CERES and provides NU Financial related budget journals.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years previous work experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government, or entity engaged in sponsored research.
• Intermediate level of knowledge of:
• Federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance and RTC terms and conditions
• Other major federal funding agency guidelines
• Major sponsor electronic systems such as Grants.gov, Commons, & Research.gov
• Previous, proven experience supervising and mentoring staff.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Knowledge and application of relevant codes, regulations necessary to administer and manage externally funded sponsored research.
• Ability to supervise and motivate professional staff in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment across organizational units and at all levels, including faculty, deans, central administration and senior institutional officials.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Customer-focused; dedicated to providing optimum service to internal and external customers.
• Highest level of professional and personal integrity.
• Thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Computer proficiency - software use may include Microsoft Office suite, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Access, web browsers, email and systems including enterprise applications and various sponsor systems.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Bachelor's degree
• Previous work experience in the administration of sponsored research at an educational institution, in the federal government, or at some other entity engaged in sponsored research

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Advanced knowledge of proposal management, award acceptance, contract negotiation, subawards, post award financial administration and related federal guidelines, regulations (e.g., Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Defense Regulations), policies, audit, internal controls and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to drive and support continuous improvement and change through individual and team contributions.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $78,000-$92,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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