"Assoc Dir, Grant Finance"

Job Details

Assoc Dir, Grant Finance

Job Summary

The University of Utah is one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. As Utah's flagship university, the institution is deeply committed to advancing knowledge, fostering discovery, and serving as an engine of economic and societal impact for the state and beyond.

Within this environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a critical role in ensuring research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability. RMC is undergoing a period of exciting transformation — expanding staff capacity, implementing new service models, modernizing business processes, and streamlining technology solutions.

The Associate Director for Financial Research Administration provides strategic and operational leadership over the University's core post-award financial research administration portfolio, including sponsor invoicing, accounts receivable, award setup, modifications, closeouts, financial reporting, and expense management. This position directs multiple teams and leaders, with an early focus on building a high-performing staff to support the University's rapidly growing research enterprise.

As a senior leader within RMC, the Associate Director partners with the Executive Director and colleagues across campus to set vision and strategy for the department, drive process improvement, and implement forward-looking solutions that improve compliance, efficiency, and customer service, and that scale with the institution's growing research portfolio. Success requires a collaborative, energetic, and adaptable leader who embraces change and thrives in building relationships across diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Directs and oversees post-award financial operations including sponsor invoicing, accounts receivable, award setup, modifications, closeouts, financial reporting, and expense transfers.
• Establishes performance measures such as metrics, service levels, escalation paths, and KPIs to ensure consistent operations, accountability, and client satisfaction.
• Identifies gaps, redundancies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for efficiency in business processes and systems; implements solutions that improve compliance and streamline operations.
• Directs, develops, and mentors senior managers, assistant managers, and staff across multiple functional areas; ensures staff competency and professional development through training, coaching, and ongoing performance management.
• Leads the department's transition from paper-based processes to digital, technology-enabled workflows; partners with IT and other offices to align and streamline pre- and post-award systems.
• Champions a client-centric operating model by developing processes, standards, and training that improve the experience of faculty, administrators, and sponsors.
• Facilitates cooperative and collaborative relationships across campus and with external partners; represents RMC on University-wide committees and working groups.
• Provides strategic guidance to University leadership on post-award finance trends, risks, and opportunities, including the impact of federal and sponsor policy changes.
• Promotes RMC's mission and vision by fostering cooperative relationships and advancing the University's reputation for research excellence.

Problem Solving

The Associate Director is responsible for addressing strategic, complex, and often unprecedented challenges in post-award financial administration. This includes balancing compliance with federal and sponsor regulations against the need for efficient, customer-focused service delivery, and making sound decisions under conditions of uncertainty.

The role requires a forward-thinking leader who can analyze multifaceted issues, anticipate downstream impacts of financial and operational changes, and develop solutions that improve both compliance and customer experience. Problems are escalated to executive leadership only when they involve significant institutional risk, policy changes, or issues outside established guidelines.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking.

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Degree + six years of related experience or Bachelor's degree + 10 years of related experience or 18 years of related experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Demonstrated leadership experience in research administration, with expertise in post-award financial functions.
• Proven ability to lead through change and deliver results in a complex, compliance-driven environment.
• Supervisory experience managing large, multi-functional teams (15+ FTE), with ability to mentor and develop leaders.
• Experience implementing client-centric service models in higher education or research administration.
• Demonstrated success in process improvement, organizational redesign, or technology transformation projects.
• Skill in data analytics, KPI development, and reporting to drive decision-making and measure performance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to a leadership approach grounded in mission, values, and people-first principles

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42929B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 5:00

Department: 00359 - Grants & Contracts Accounting

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: $129,350

Close Date: 11/25/2025

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187838