Assistant Director, Disaster Research Center

University of Delaware

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity Employer which encourages applications from Minority Group Members, Women, Individuals with Disabilities and Veterans. The University's Notice of Non-Discrimination can be found at http://www.udel.edu/aboutus/legalnotices.html


Job No: 499008
Work Type: Staff
Location: Newark
Categories: Administrative Support, Research & Laboratory, Full Time


PAY GRADE: 31E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Reporting to the Center Director(s) of the Disaster Research Center and working under limited supervision, the Assistant Director at the Disaster Research Center works independently to manage the day-to-day operations and fiscal affairs of the Center and supervise nonexempt and exempt employees. The Assistant Director prepares all documentation for grant proposals to major funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation; interacts closely with project partners at UD and elsewhere throughout the lifecycle of the award, exercising a high degree of autonomy, diplomacy, and professional judgment; administers and manages financial accounts (totaling approximately$2.0M); and provides monthly grant and financial reporting to Directors and PIs. The Assistant Director also serves as Human Resources liaison and provides support services to faculty, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff (25-30).

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Identify funding possibilities and collaborative opportunities relevant to areas of specialists and expertise specific to faculty research interests.
• Prepare and administer all Center accounts and budgets. Fiscal responsibility to monitor, manage, and report on all budgets, including operations, supplemental, discretionary, endowment, gifts and active grants totaling approximately $2.0M. Ensures funding, reporting and policy compliance. Provides financial analysis, processing requisitions, and providing projections.
• Responsible for pre-award proposal submission through post-award management, and closeout. Submission of all grant proposals, including complex multi-institutional proposals, uploading required documents for the University and sponsor. Read and understand the terms of the request for proposals. Work closely with PI(s) to develop proposals, prepare budgets and budget justifications, revise/edit and submit standard forms (e.g., current and pending, data management, facilities, etc.) required for sponsor.
• Work closely with the Research Office contracts and grants specialist to ensure accurate and complete proposal are submitted.
• Accountable for complex research administration across multiple departments on campus, academic institutions, and sub-awardees. Verification of effort and expenses to ensure compliance with University and Uniform Guidance policies, in addition to sponsor guidelines and budget justification. Accountable for expenses through internal and external audits on grants and purchasing card charges.
• Manage the daily operations of the Center to ensure the smooth operation of the administrative office.
• Responsibilities include areas of (a) human resources, e.g., complete recruiting and hiring process for staff and miscellaneous wage, act as HR liaison, disseminate HR information; (b) purchasing credit card manager for all DRC staff and students (20+), (c) visiting research coordinator and complete J1 Visa requests; (d) approve and initiate facilities requests and major purchases for equipment and/or furniture, and (e) provide staff support services including but not limited to domestic and foreign travel arrangements, as well as event and focus group planning.
• Formulate and revise policies regarding DRC purchases, travel, reimbursement, and undergraduate hiring. Ensure DRC policies and processes are implemented and recommend changes as needed. Ensure that University policy and procedures are being followed. Train and disseminate information on new/revised UD and DRC policies to faculty, staff, and students.
• Supervise two existing staff positions who assist center staff, as well as undergraduates and graduate students.
• Administrative supervision and support for DRC graduate students (~13) on contact with DRC, complete hiring forms, prepare yearly offer letters, contracts, and funding forms.
• Assist graduate students applying for grants and travel funds.
• Perform other miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Business Administration or related field with four years of experience, or an equivalent combination or education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, fiscal management, and research administration.
• Advanced knowledge of grant funding processes, policies and procedures including applicable federal, state, and UD regulations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong project management, leadership, and coordination skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to work independently, manage multiple demands and establish priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with PeopleSoft preferred.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close: Jul 05 2022 Eastern Daylight Time

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