Sr Mgr, Grant Administration

Job Summary

The University of Utah is recognized as one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. Within this vibrant environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a vital role in ensuring that research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability.

We are expanding our financial post-award team significantly to support the University's growing research portfolio, and it is an exciting time to join us. The Senior Manager for Post Award Financial Research Administration oversee the University's central core post-award financial research administration functions, including sponsor invoicing, financial reporting, and customer service. This leadership role is central to RMC's transition to a new client-centric operating model, making customer service a non-negotiable component of success.

Under minimal supervision, this position directs financial staff and operations to ensure accurate and timely sponsor billing, appropriate expense management, and high-quality financial reporting that meets institutional and sponsor expectations. The Senior Manager serves on the RMC senior leadership team and provides operational leadership for a team of approximately 15 FTE. The successful candidate will bring significant research administration experience, proven management skills, and the adaptability to thrive in a fast-changing environment.

This role is ideal for an experienced research administrator who enjoys working at the intersection of contracts and finance. Success requires the ability to interpret sponsor agreements, translate them into the financial system, and guide a team to deliver consistent, high-quality results. As the “front door” (award setup) and “back door” (closeouts and receivables) of post-award administration, the work of this team is foundational to the University's research enterprise. We are seeking a collaborative, detail-oriented, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in a client-focused environment and values process improvement and innovation.

Responsibilities

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.

Essential Functions

• Directs and oversees sponsor invoicing, expense transfers, and post-award financial reporting for sponsored research, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Provides leadership for a team of ~15 FTE; recruits, trains, mentors, and evaluates staff; fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service.
• Leads the transition to a new client-centric operating model, ensuring positive and consistent experiences for faculty, administrators, and sponsors.
• Establishes, monitors, and reports on KPIs for post-award financial operations; uses data analytics to improve service levels, compliance, and financial outcomes.
• Develops, implements, and maintains policies and procedures that promote accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement in post-award processes.
• Serves on the RMC senior leadership team, contributing to department-wide strategic planning, goal setting, and organizational change initiatives.
• Partners with faculty, departments, central offices, and sponsors to resolve complex financial issues, balancing compliance with customer service.
• Provides guidance to leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities within post-award financial management.
• Represents RMC on university-wide committees and working groups related to financial research administration.
• Promotes RMC's mission and vision by fostering cooperative relationships and strengthening the University's reputation for research excellence.

Problem Solving

This position requires the ability to analyze and resolve complex post-award financial issues in a compliance-driven and evolving research environment. The Senior Manager must navigate sponsor regulations, federal and institutional policy, and faculty needs while ensuring accurate financial transactions and reporting.

The role requires proactive problem solving, balancing compliance with responsiveness, and developing innovative solutions to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. Problems are escalated to executive leadership only when they involve significant institutional risk, policy changes, or issues outside established guidelines.

Comments: 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Health Care Administration or related area, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); eight years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated leadership, human relations and effective communications skills required. Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• Direct experience in research administration, with expertise in post-award financial functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in sponsor invoicing, financial reporting, and expense transfers in a higher education or research setting
• Experience implementing client-centric service models in research administration
• Demonstrated skill in data analytics and financial reporting, including KPI development and monitoring
• Supervisory experience managing mid- to large-sized teams, with ability to coach and develop staff
• Experience leading process improvement initiatives in complex organizations
• Master's degree in a related area

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42932B

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: $106,901/yr

Close Date: 11/25/2025

Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187845