Director Finance & Admin - CST: Biology

Temple University's College of Science & Technology, Biology Department  is searching for a Director of Finance & Administration.

Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:

• A hybrid work schedule
• Full medical, dental, vision coverage Paid time off
• 11 Paid Holidays (including the day after Thanksgiving & winter break)
• Tuition remission - eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree TUITION FREE
• A generous retirement plan and so much more!

Learn more about the “T” salary structure

here: https://careers.temple.edu/sites/careers/files/documents/T_Salary_Structure.pdf

Job Summary:

The Director of Finance and Administration for Gates Foundation reporting to Principal Investigator is responsible for managing and overseeing the Foundation’s grant finance and administrative research functions.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to managing the internal research grant process for limited Biology Research Group and assisting faculty in locating research opportunities, reviewing grant proposals to meet sponsor guidelines, developing grant budgets, monitoring grant account expenses, and managing the Research group’s staff.

The Director ensures adherence to grant agency and foundation policies and is responsible for staying abreast of current/changing policies and regulations.  Serves as the primary contact to resolve matters in collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and College of Science and Technology (CST). The Director prepares and reviews all Institutes pre-award sponsored project applications, budgets, fellowship applications and official research matters before being submitted to Grants Management or directly to an external agency to ensure administrative correctness and other areas of review. Post–award responsibilities include managing and approving grant related purchases, requisitions, invoices, travel reimbursements, payroll forms, tuition remission, hiring requisitions, journal entries, and other related processes as well as projecting grant expenditures for future periods and advising PI’s on optimal means to maximize budgeted funds. Responsible for all management of purchasing of biology research group funding to ensure compliance with grant/contract. Performs other duties as assigned.

This is a hybrid position (on-campus and remote) and fully grant funded.

Essential Functions of Position:

• Oversees all Professor Boni’s and Professor Carnevale’s financial matters related to day-to-day operations with detailed oversight of developing, implementing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures, establishing budget projections and financial strategic planning.

•           Management and supervise direct reports in fiscal operations, planning and budget, operations, and facilities with aspects of institute.

• Supports the priorities of the PIs to perform the daily management of research portfolios.

•          Conducts an annual review of the strategic plan and the identification of progress made against key strategic focus areas.

•          Develops and disseminates the research required to inform planning and policy decisions.

•          Develops a planning and policy agenda that supports decision-making across the institutes.

•          Provides analytical services designed to help identify opportunities for improved institute effectiveness.

•          Works with a diverse population of faculty and staff to provide leadership and assistance to seek and secure external funding opportunities that promote research, teaching, and learning.

•          Designs and executes an effective system of internal controls and procedures to ensure the successful operation of the institute.

•          Provides support, guidance, and oversight in implementing funded programs.

•          Provides leadership and has responsibility for the research group’s overall grants administration functions.

•          Provides direct support for the research operation, assisting with the identification of external funding sources for faculty scholarship, the review and submission of proposals, and the administrative management of awards.

•          Reviews all sponsored applications, budgets, fellowship applications and official research matters before they are submitted to Grants Management or directly to an external agency to ensure administrative correctness and other areas of review.

•          Reviews and approves grant related purchases, requisitions, invoices, travel reimbursements, payroll forms, tuition remission, hiring requisitions, journal entries, and other related processes.

•          Represents the PIs at research-related meetings and committees across campus.

•          Oversees research group’s effort reports. Works with Research Accounting on matters related to expenditures, deadline extensions, over-expenditures, close-outs, and other post-award related matters as necessary.

•          Projects grant expenditures for future periods and advises PI on optimal means to maximize budgeted funds. Seeks to maximize savings for the institutes from sponsored projects.

•          Participates in professional development training meetings/workshops.

•          Keeps abreast of new rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with sponsoring agencies and central university departments.

•          Examines annual indirect cost recovery for accuracy.

•          Monitors expenditures against these funds as needed.

•          Other special projects as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s and seven (7) years of directly related research/grant experience. Demonstrated experience with oversight, supervision, and development of staff. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills and ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward accomplishment of the research group’s strategic objectives.

• Ability to grow and apply one’s expertise and knowledge within and across specialized functional areas.

• Demonstrated ability managing department and sub-unit grant proposals.

• Knowledge of multiple funding agencies.

• Knowledge of University systems including ERA, ERS, Banner Finance, Concur and TU Marketplace.

• Ability to grow and apply one’s expertise and knowledge within and across specialized functional areas.

• Demonstrated ability to initiate and implement strategic plans.

• Knowledge of data management software and practices to submit timely reports on graduate student funding.

• Knowledge of grant and financial management software.

• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure while handling multiple tasks and time constraints.

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to recommend grants management strategies for departments.

• Strong ability to edit grant proposals.

• Demonstrated ability to adhere to current and changing policies and regulations.

• Strong verbal communication skills, along with the ability to effectively interact with a diverse population of students, faculty and staff in a professional manner.

• Strong acumen for numbers.

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of research administration procedures and requirements.

• Thorough knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting processes, procedures, and financial controls related to research administration.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a passion for superb customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, along with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituent population. 

• Demonstrated organizational and prioritization skills, along with the ability to work within tight and often conflicting deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data, evaluate information, and present findings and recommendations.

• Must be detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

• Strong analytical and decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to motivate a team and promote a positive, collaborative, and inclusive working environment

Preferred

• Master’s degree.
• Experience in an academic institution.
• Experience using the Banner ERP system (Research Accounting and Grants modules), Cognos, SQL, InfoEd, TUMarketplace and Concur.
• Experience with oversight, supervision, and development of staff
• Knowledge of multiple funding agencies.

Required Background Checks & Clearances: 

• Cash Handling
• Personal Idenfiable Information (PII)

Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.
Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

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