Director of Contracts​/Grants

Position Overview

The position of Director of the Office of Contracts & Grant Accounting is an administrative level position directly reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Research. This position is responsible for all research related post‑award grant and contract activities including post‑award financial and non‑financial actions, as well as post‑award financial reporting.

The position is part of the administrative team with leadership responsibilities for a staff of an accounting manager, grant accountants, and a business service coordinator. This position is a direct liaison between the Division of Research and the Division of Business & Finance.

Administrative/programmatic duties include establishing departmental goals, setting priorities, managing resources, developing concepts and approaches, reviewing progress, and making management decisions. The director ensures that policies and procedures are in place to meet federal compliance, collaborating with the Office of Internal Audit as needed. The director reviews new policies and procedures related to post‑award management and financial compliance, oversees the accuracy of systems for tracking contracts and grants post‑award activity—including the Banner Accounting system and Info Ed and other support systems—and identifies and implements new systems where needed.

NC A&T obtains millions of dollars in funding from the federal government as well as other government and non‑government agencies. These funding sources, which have generated over 200 current research projects valued at more than $300 million, have numerous and varying regulations, including operating guidelines and reporting requirements.

The Director is responsible for a staff of 14 positions who adhere to procedures, maintain accounting and reporting, approve budgets and revisions as allowable by funding regulations, provide cash management, provide guidance to faculty in their research pursuits, and facilitate processing to ensure faculty research is not impeded by unnecessary tedium.

The position leads the financial, regulatory and compliance management of funded projects (grants/contracts) after they have been awarded. The director oversees teams that handle award setup, spending, reporting, audits, and closeouts, ensuring adherence to federal rules and university policies, and serving as a key resource for faculty and staff. This senior role involves strategic leadership, staff supervision, process improvement, and liaison with sponsors and university leadership, requiring deep knowledge of research administration.

As an administrator, the director leads post‑award teams, mentors staff, develops procedures, and trains staff and faculty/researchers.

Relevant post‑Baccalaureate degree required with three years or greater of related professional experience; for candidates demonstrating comparable professional backgrounds, a four‑year degree in accounting or business with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a contracts and grants related field emphasizing management, planning, and systems; supervisory experience is required.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is required.

Four‑year degree in accounting or business with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a contracts and grants related field emphasizing management, planning, and systems; supervisory experience; strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Research administration training through professional research organizations such as NCURA and SRA is a plus.

Leadership and human resource management skills are critical. Knowledge and understanding of federal and state regulations; ability to comprehend intricate contract terms and conditions; computer skills including data mining, Internet, word processing, spreadsheet applications. Use of Banner Financial Accounting system will be required. A clear understanding of general accounting is critical.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification is required.

• Working Title:
  
  Director of Contracts/Grants
• Position Number: 000092
• Recruitment Salary Range:
  Commensurate with…