Assistant Director, Office of Sponsored Programs

The Assistant Director will be a member of the leadership team of the Office of Sponsored Program (OSP), serving as the OSP and campus expert in sponsored projects accounting regulations and best practices. Highly complex problems involving many stakeholders will be part of the daily work in this position. Although this role will report to the Director, the person must be highly independent and able to form thriving working relationships across campus units and with state and federal agencies. To meet reporting deadlines and support in urgent and complex matters, the individual must be available to work outside regular office hours as needed.

At a minimum, this position will be responsible for: cash management; managing STIP investments; processing financial transactions; preparing and submitting reports to federal and state agencies; liaising with federal and state agencies on financial reporting matters; continuously reviewing and advising on OSP accounting practices; updating and maintaining internal databases; performing Banner to SAHBRS reconciliations; overseeing F&A recovery; developing and performing internal and external training.

This position requires incumbent to develop expert knowledge of University policies, State of Montana regulations and governmental accounting principles; advanced proficiency in Banner SIS, UMDW and State accounting system; and develop a working knowledge of database management systems and presentation technology.

Required Education and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, accounting, or a related field, as well as at least three (3) years of related professional experience; or any combination of experience and education that would provide the competencies required to successfully discharge the duties assigned to this position
• Expertise in professional accounting practices and techniques of financial accounting and fiscal management with an emphasis in government, college and university fund accounting including GAAP, GASB and FASB
• Experience in cash management and investing practices
• Knowledge of 2 CFR 200 and grant and contract compliance requirements of many agencies
• Ability to analyze and interpret fiscal information and understand complex rules and regulations
• Knowledge of supervisory practices and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems and make sound decisions during stressful situations
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research, analyze findings and draw conclusions
• Skill in the operation of personal computers and related software (Excel, Word, Access) with the ability to learn new programs
• Demonstrated proficiency in establishing goals and priorities and meeting multiple deadlines
• Proven written communication skills: business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation and composition
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and time management skills with the ability to work on numerous projects simultaneously
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Interpersonal and oral communication skills, including ability effectively communicate with a variety of personnel and funding agencies and to establish and maintain good working relationships

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Experience in governmental fund accounting and accounting for contracts and grants in a university setting
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Knowledge of University of Montana accounting rules and regulations
• Knowledge of Banner software

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Montana University System (MUS) Contract and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $70,000 - $85,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

About the Office of Sponsored Programs , UM , and Missoula

The Office of Sponsored Programs administers institutional external funding (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) and ensures that such sponsored projects comply with internal controls and applicable policies and regulations. Responsible for the lifecycle of sponsored programs, OSP activities include proposal development, proposal submission, award negotiation, and award management and closeout, as well as mitigation of audit risk.

The University of Montana is a unit of the Montana University System with over 10,000 students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 72,000, surrounded by mountain grandeur which was recently ranked in the “ top 20 best college towns with a population of less than 250,000 ” by the American Institute for Economic Research and ranked 9th in Outside Magazine’s “ The 16 Greatest Places to Live in America” in 2014 . Many national publications recognize Missoula for its high quality of life . Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere. The University of Montana offers eligible employees a generous benefits package that positively separates UM from other local employers and offers many programs and policies to support work-life balance for its employees.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.



To learn more about the University of Montana, Missoula, and the State of Montana, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
• Video: UM Lifestyles
• University Highlights
• City of Missoula
• Video: There's This Place
• Destination Missoula
• Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce
• The State of Montana
• Visit Montana

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to the Offer of Employment In accordance with University regulations, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References: References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing: Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. Employment Eligibility: All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).

How to Apply

Priority Application Date: October 19, 2020

Applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. Application review will begin after date above and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit the following application materials via "New Resume/CV" button below.

*Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

• Cover letter – describing research interests, experience, career goals, and your fit for the position
• Detailed CV - listing education, publications, skills, etc
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references

Need additional help? Check out our UM Jobs FAQ website.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular