Sponsored research at UCONN continues to grow in volume and complexity. In order to meet the increasing challenges facing faculty in their efforts to pursue competitive funding opportunities, The Office of the Vice-President for Research (OVPR) is seeking experienced and knowledgeable candidates to fill multiple team lead positions within the Office of Sponsored Program Services (SPS).

The Office of the Vice President for Research - Faculty Services (OVPR FS) function is one of a trusted advisor to University investigators. As a component of the OVPR SPS, this office provides comprehensive, pre-award and post-award grants management support to multiple Schools throughout the University, and as an integrated office within SPS has authority to act on behalf of the existing central office Pre- and Post-Award Service Teams for certain roles to increase institutional efficiency as it relates to sponsored program administration.

The Office of the Vice-President for Research - Post Award Services provide timely, accurate, and courteous assistance to our faculty, sponsors and University staff. As a component of the OVPR SPS, this office is responsible for establishing and maintaining University-wide policy and procedure, providing training, billing/collections, subrecipient monitoring, and audit resolution, as well as, all institutional guidance and support in the administration of sponsored agreements from award issuance through closeout.

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the Director of Research Administration and Faculty Services or Director of Sponsored Program Services in the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) or their designee, these positions are accountable for leading a team charged with the provision of pre- and/or post- award services to faculty in an efficient, effective and professional manner. Serving as an authorized institutional representative of the University, these positions are responsible for submitting and accepting sponsored awards on behalf of the institution, as well as the institutional certification of financial reports required by sponsors and sponsoring agencies.

GUIDELINES FOR USING THIS SPECIFICATION

This specification is intended to provide day-to-day guidance and supervision of an assigned SPS team, as opposed to one-to-one supervision. Incumbents are accountable for the quality of unit work, development of standards, prioritization of assignments, and the evaluation of unit output. Incumbents of this position may be required to participate in the provision of unit services in an effort to maintain efficiency, but the primary function of this position rests in the supervision of team members and the services provided. The incumbents of this specification are expected to interact with constituents utilizing excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills, and be collegial and respond in a professional and timely manner. This job specification is intended for use specifically in the Office of the Vice President for Research, Sponsored Program Services.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assesses team workloads and schedules, assigning and prioritizing tasks for team members to ensure priority items are given close attention and deadlines are met.
2. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates staff.
3. Ensures the assigned team meets changing priorities and goals.
4. Serves as a member of the leadership team, participates in the establishment of Office goals.
5. Reviews written procedures and activities to ensure adherence to all applicable policies and procedures.
6. Assists the Director or their designee in resolving unusual or sensitive problems with grant or contract activity.
7. Works closely with auditors to respond to questions and findings regarding account and service activity.
8. Serves as an expert resource to faculty and others in such areas as interpreting policies, regulations and statutes, analyzing needs and resolving complex, rare and unusual problems as they arise.
9. Keeps current with industry best practice, federal and state law, and sponsoring agencies' policies as they pertain to sponsored program activity.
10. Keeps current with relevant University and departmental electronic systems and applications.
11. Motivates team members in an effort to foster a collegial, effective work environment.
12. Serves as liaison between University administration, faculty and granting agencies, particularly regarding complex issues.
13. Reviews sponsored project proposals, agreements, and awards to ensure they align with University policies as well as sponsor guidelines and regulations.
14. Prepares sponsored project proposals (For OVPR Faculty Services Team Lead position only).
15. Manages awards including, but not limited to account set-up, account reconciliation, financial reporting, and closeout.
16. Participates in national and local meetings, seminars and workshops in the area of research.
17. Monitors and assesses grant or contract activity and records for conformance with reporting requirements, budgets and timetables, taking the appropriate measures to notify relevant parties and provide strategies for resolution as appropriate.
18. May develop or deliver training in a variety of formats and settings.
19. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of years of progressively responsible experience in research administration.
2. Extensive knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, and the Federal Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance (2 C.F.R. Part 200) as they relate to sponsored program activity.
3. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
4. Ability to work effectively within tight timelines and under deadline pressure.
5. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team and between teams, as well as constituents external to the Office of the Vice President for Research.
6. Evidence of leadership and ability to direct the work of others, and a commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing a team.
7. Considerable critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
8. Excellent computer skills, including spreadsheets and databases.
9. Ability to develop and deliver technical training.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Advanced degree, e.g., Master's in Business or Public Administration or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) Certification.
2. Knowledge of accounting standards and principles.
3. Supervisory experience and/or team leader experience.
4. Familiarity with and working knowledge of the Proposal Tracking (PT) and Proposal Development (PD) modules of the InfoEd software solution.
5. Familiarity with and working knowledge of Kuali Financial Systems.

To Apply

Applications must be submitted through the UConn Jobs website at jobs.uconn.edu , and should include a cover letter and resume demonstrating how the qualifications and requirements of the position are met, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Employment of the successful candidate will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. (Search # 2017227)

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on February 20, 2017.

For confidential inquiries or additional information please contact:

Laurie Pudlo, MPS HRM

Administrative Manager

Office of the Vice President for Research

University of Connecticut

laurie.pudlo@uconn.edu

860-486-4247

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a Land Grant and Sea Grant college and member of the Space Grant Consortium, and is ranked among the top 19 public universities in the nation according to the 2016 U.S. News and World Report. In support of an ambitious state investment in economic development, higher education, and research, the Office of the Vice President for Research seeks highly motivated, skilled, and engaged individuals to work within an increasingly diverse and complex research environment.

For additional information, please visit our website at: http://research.uconn.edu/

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


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