Director of Research Administration (Grants & Contracts), Center for Nursing Research

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing seeks a Director of Research Administration for the Center for Nursing Research (CNR). This person will join a busy and vibrant departmental team during exciting change, growth, and innovation. This leadership is key to the team's goal of becoming a model of "best-in-class."

CNR covers the full scope of activities related to the lifecycle of sponsored program administration, and the Director of Research Administration will oversee CNR, including identifying funding sources, proposal and budget preparation, proposal submission, post-award management, and actively participating in change processes.

Most of the Director's time will be focused on supporting the research of faculty and students, as well as managing the CNR's team (supervising around three to four direct reports). More specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Research Support for Faculty and Students:

• Search, identify, and communicate relevant funding opportunities

• Read, interpret, and communicate sponsors' guidelines to faculty

• Work closely with faculty to assist with proposals (e.g., creating proposal subsections, including budgets and non-technical components of applications, setting up mock reviews)

• Submit proposals to various federal, state, and local agencies, private companies, and foundations; secure University signature after a thorough review

• Contract negotiations and ensure compliance with sponsor and university policies

• Set up awards and support researchers with post-award management for gifts, grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts (e.g., conflict resolution issues, re-budgeting, processing external sponsor-required invoices, subaward management, etc.)

• Close out awards, assuring all requirements have been met

Management of the Center for Nursing Research Team:

• Supervisory responsibilities of direct reports: hiring and onboarding, delegate tasks, follow progress and evaluate success, conflict mediation and resolution, conduct performance evaluations

• Train staff in activities related to grants and contracts

• Serve as liaison between senior management and direct reports

• Seek out and implement best practices for office management

• Document and disseminate CNR policies and procedures

The Director will report to the Associate Dean for Research and Innovations (ADR) and represent the Associate Dean and CNR in absentia or as directed. The Director will be expected to obtain delegated signature authority for this position.

Other key responsibilities of the Director include:

• Implement forward-thinking improvements to ensure the growth of the college's research enterprise

• Co-chair (with the ADR) research faculty meetings

• Work with staff to set up seminars and publish a monthly newsletter

There will be frequent contact with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), sponsors' university officials, and peers within and outside the university to facilitate processes, troubleshoot, and problem-solve.

The Director will perform work activities in a large volume, fast-paced, complex, detailed, and multifaceted environment, utilizing multi-tasking expertise, timely work production, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities - often on a deadline.

Education and Experience:
This position will be filled as a Grants and Contracts Administrator at the level of Senior Supervisor, which requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and six years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Master's degree is highly preferred; ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) or Certified Research Administrator is also preferred.

Applicants must have knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and have experience with pre-award and post-award processes.

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent written, electronic, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Team-oriented approach to leadership and commitment to customer service

• Demonstrated ability to make independent administrative decisions and to exercise discretion in confidential matters

• Proactive approach to work that includes continually seeking ways to improve administrative procedures.

• Ability to solve complex problems.

Experience with Grants.gov and Cayuse, as well as familiarity with a broad spectrum of granting agencies, foundations, and industry sponsors is desired.

It is also preferred that applicants have experience with the following or similar software: SIMBA (Penn State's System for Integrated Management, Budgeting and Accounting); SIMS (Penn State's Strategic Information Management System).

The Office for Diversity and Inclusion's missionis to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing's students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to promoting the essential values of diversity, equity, and inclusion through services, outreach, and consultation. The office works with constituents, both internal and external, to fulfill the mission and build a culture that celebrates diversity.

The location of this position is flexible and can operate in a remote capacity with occasional on-site work (e.g. 1-2 days monthly), fully in-person at Penn State's University Park campus, or in a hybrid model of both in-person and remote. Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Penn State offers competitive benefits to full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, in addition to generous vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, and 75% tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26). Please visit https://hr.psu.edu/benefits for more detailed information.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.

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