Assistant Director, Grants and Finance

Position Summary

Working with the Deputy Director of the Nutrition Research Institute (NRI), the Assistant Director, Grants and Finance is responsible for the fiscal management of approximately $32M in annual sponsored and non-sponsored funding associated with sponsored projects, University Development Office funding, research core services, facilities and administration, and all internal research and administrative programs. This includes sponsored and non-sponsored award and financial management, fiscal reporting, and billing and collections. Additionally, the position provides short and long-term budget planning and assists the Deputy Director in planning for and managing operations and strategies for research and programmatic growth.

The Assistant Director oversees all sponsored research (pre- and post-award) and clinical studies management activities at the NRI, as well as effort and HR allocation for faculty research employees at the NRI, Gillings School of Global Public Health, School of Dentistry, School of Social Work, and School of Medicine.

The position provides financial management of all F&A, state, research cores, and restricted and unrestricted trust accounts. The incumbent meets regularly with and provides advice to the NRI Director, Deputy Director, Research Core Directors, faculty, postdocs, and staff regarding fund balances, projections, sensitive/critical and/or highly complex issues and interprets a broad range of sponsored policies and state and federal government regulations. Moreover, the position is focused on fiscal planning and strategy, service excellence, and compliance with policies, standard operating procedures, and regulations. The Assistant Director must stay current with new, existing, and upcoming rules to ensure the Institute remains compliant. The position oversees integrity and quality assurance over the work output of the Grants and Finance team as required by the Office of Sponsored Research, Office of Human Research Ethics, Science and Security, University Development Office, Institutional Integrity and Risk Management and others within UNC’s research community. The Assistant Director manages relationships, expectations, and fiscal stewardship responsibilities for NRI’s internal stakeholders and external clients, including federal and non-federal sponsors.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Mid- to late-career with Masters and 2-4 years experience; Bachelors and 3-5 years experience

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Excellent, demonstrated project management skills
• Highly proficient in forecasting and implementing financial strategies
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, develop plans, analyze information, make critical decisions, and work collaboratively and effectively with all levels
• Judgement and discretion – the ability to make effective recommendations and decisions, problem solve, and handle confidential information with discretion
• Solution oriented, resourceful, and proactive when pursuing strategies for problem resolution
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form
• Strong leadership skills and willingness to serve alongside team members
• Highly proficient in MS Office Suite
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and collaborative decision-making in the workplace

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Experience in sponsored research administration and compliance preferably in a higher education setting
• Prior supervisory experience
• Knowledge of federal and sponsor regulations and guidelines strongly preferred
• Knowledge of UNC financial systems, policies, and procedures

To learn more and apply, visit: https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/251784

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.