POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working under general direction, the assistant director for funded projects will provide financial and administrative support for the world-class research conducted in the Department of Pathology.  The department conducts research on the following areas: cancer biology, infection and immunity, neurobiology/ neuropathology, tissue injury and healing, and biomaterials biocompatibility covering a wide range of topics spanning prion disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, ALS, autism, and Fragile X with an emphasis on understanding the mechanism(s) underlying these diseases through cell and transgenic models with the goal providing novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Oversee and manage all financial and administrative functions for faculty and research staff members in the assigned portfolio, including grant administration, monitoring of all compliance requirements and research progress, both internally to CWRU and across institutions. Function as a technical resource and advisor on financial and regulatory issues to faculty and staff.  Provide leadership, advice, and guidance regarding financial and administrative policies and procedures. (25%)
2. Administer post awards, including creating fiscal forecasts and monthly monitoring/understanding of expenses for over $5 million in grant support from both federal and private sponsors. Approve and monitor expenditures. (20%)
3. Administer pre award grant submissions. Assemble, review, edit, and/or correct all grant applications and post award progress reports requirements for faculty, research staff, and students based in the Neuropathology research track for accuracy and thoroughness prior to submission through the electronic signature process. Advise and direct faculty on budget development and justifications for proposal submissions. (15%)
4. Develop and implement strategies for communication, quality control and required reporting activities for individual projects and cores and for the overall grants. Develop cost control and monitoring programs. Guide individual project and directors on requirements to be met and work closely with members of internal and external advisory boards to assure reports address necessary elements. Develop and implement appropriate assessment measures and systems to monitor progress and evaluate projects and cores to facilitate specific and overall reporting.  Work with the program directors and advisory committees to plan and implement changes in projects and activities. (10%)  

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Develop and enhance database and reporting systems for searching, organizing, and maintaining sponsor required information and developing targeted reports to meet sponsor requests as well as collaborators’ institutional and research needs. As required by NIH and CDC program staff, direct the creation of a website and other electronic mechanisms to publicize NPDSC achievements and to advertise the program widely. (5%)
2. As requested by the CDC and NIH program and administrative staff, present at national conferences of NPDSC, serve on committees for national program planning and mentor other administrators around the country.  Develop specific expertise to become the go-to person for those topics.  Participate in all conference calls and meetings with CDC and NIH representatives. (5%)
3. Oversee and manage the production of multi-investigator and multi-institutional grant applications, reports, and advisory board materials. (5%)
4. Develop and implement mechanisms to identify promising and eligible investigators to participate in Neuropathology related research. (5%)
5. Collaborate with and instruct faculty, staff and students on government policies such as the Public Access Policy to insure they are in compliance with research reporting for federally funded grants. (5%)
6. Ensure accurate reporting and record keeping of lab faculty, staff, and students in Sparta and NIH eRA Commons. (5%)
7. Serve as backup for financial management for the department of Pathology. (<1%)
8. Serve as backup for all pre-award submissions for the department of Pathology. (<1%)
9. Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Daily contact with faculty and staff of Neuropathology, members of the NPDSC, Brain Health Initiative members and collaborators.

University: Daily contact with Grants and Contracts, Faculty Affairs, Human Resources, and Finance Offices.

External: Frequent (weekly or more) contact with federal and non-federal agencies and other CDC, DOD, ACS, NIH Program Offices and specialists. Contact with collaborators and their administrative operation staff at other institutions.

Students: Daily interaction with students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Direct the work of students and/or other staff on specific projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 3 to 5 years of demonstrated experience in the financial/accounting field required, preferably in a non-profit environment sponsored projects administration, financial management, and/or audit.

Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field required (degree in accounting / finance). Professional designation (e.g. CPA or CRA) is preferred. MBA preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement complex programs requiring inter-departmental and inter-institutional interactions.
2. Thorough and current understanding of the web-based application processes for proposal submissions and transmissions preferred.
3. Thorough understanding of federal guidelines and university policies regarding grant proposals.
4. Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; must demonstrate the ability to write and speak in public settings as well as ability to communicate with a variety of audiences. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
5. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply NIH guidelines and to guide others in learning and managing complex projects.
6. Ability to understand the goals of the projects and funding and to develop the necessary operational systems to implement them.
7. Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy, time management skills and follow-through.
8. Demonstrated ability and experience in taking initiative and working with others in a collaborative environment.
9. Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills, sound judgement and good decision-making.
10. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
11. Excellent computer skills experience, excellent mathematical skills; ability to use financial spreadsheets, accounting software, NIH application software, database packages, PeopleSoft and Oracle financial system applications.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Standard office environment. This position is eligible for the staff hybrid work program.