Director of the Research Support Center (RSC)

University Overview

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Director of the Research Support Center (RSC)

Job Description Summary

The Director of the Research Support Center, is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the Weitzman School's Research Support Center (RSC), working in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Research (ADR). The Director of the Research Support Center provides guidance to Weitzman to faculty regarding the policies and procedures, systems, and databases associated with grant submission, implementation, and reporting; provides training to faculty in Penn's grants management systems (including ERA, and and RIS); and works closely with faculty to develop budgets for individual proposals and ensure that they adhere to the funders' guidelines.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Weitzman School's Research Support Center (RSC), including the overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the RSC, working in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Research (ADR); develop annual goals for the RSC, establish the School's annual research agenda, and develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for the RSC.
• Provide guidance to faculty on proposal and budget development under strict project deadlines; review calls for proposals to ensure all relevant grant submission procedures are followed; prepare and load proposals for electronic submission to the PennERA, Research Inventory, and sponsor systems; prepare, negotiate, and execute PennPraxis contracts to clients; provide individualized and group training to faculty on Penn's grants management systems and procedures; advise faculty on the most appropriate contract vehicle for each project.
• Develop, oversee, promote, and enforce the policies and procedures of the Research Support Center (RSC) that guide center directors and other faculty in their research and consulting activities.
• Ensure that all financial transactions related to the School's grants and contracts are in compliance with the sponsor/client, the Weitzman School, and the University; monitor adherence to all relevant tax policies, review grant/consulting portfolios with directors and other faculty, make recommendations, and prepare closing reports.
• Work in partnership with the Associate Dean of Research and the Director of Finance on developing goals and policies to enhance the faculty's research capabilities and increase the indirect cost recovery for the Weitzman School.
• Represent the Weitzman School at University-wide meetings hosted by Research Services and at other (partner) Schools at Penn where Weitzman faculty collaborate on research.
• Supervise and mentor grants manager(s) and coordinator(s) overseeing the post-award transaction process.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent critical thinking, analytical, and verbal and written communications.
• Ability to be comfortable working in a frequently changing environment and to function both independent and as part of a team.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting.
• Three to five years experience in pre and post-award research administration.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting and managerial administrative software packages i.e., Excel, Word, Business Objects, Oracle systems.
• Familiar with University sponsored policies and procedures and the financial systems a plus.

Position is contingent upon funding.

Please provide a resume and cover letter in order to be considered for this role. Please upload documents in the "Resume/CV" section of the application prior to submitting.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Design

Pay Range

$91,000.00 - $110,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.