Research & Sponsored Programs - Director of Post Award and Compliance

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Director of Post Award and Compliance will oversee post-award management and compliance for externally funded projects. This position ensures adherence to financial compliance, federal and institutional regulations, and best practices across all stages of award administration. The Director will play a pivotal role in providing strategic guidance and operational oversight to support the university's growing portfolio of sponsored projects and research activities.

This position requires a solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and demonstrates a commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing operations through technology. The Director will contribute to fostering a culture of accountability and excellence in research administration.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Post-Award Administration: Manage financial and programmatic compliance for sponsored projects, including budgeting, invoicing, effort reporting, and financial reporting.
• Policy Development: Create, implement, and update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to OMB Uniform Guidance, export controls, conflict of interest, bio-safety protocols, and research ethics requirements.
• Solutions-Oriented Leadership: Address challenges proactively, streamline workflows, and collaborate with stakeholders to create efficient and effective solutions.
• Technological Proficiency: Identify, implement, and manage technological tools to enhance compliance monitoring, reporting, and post-award administration.
• Education & Training: Develop and deliver training programs for faculty and staff to promote awareness and understanding of compliance and post-award requirements.
• Committee Administration: Serve as the administrator for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
• Collaboration: Partner with faculty, finance, and other university departments to ensure cohesive post-award management.
• Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on compliance activities and post-award performance, recommending improvements where necessary.
• Support for Research Growth: Contribute to initiatives that promote research funding and foster the effective management of sponsored projects.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in sponsored programs administration, particularly in post-award management and compliance.
• Grants and contracts accounting principles, audit procedures, and related financial accounting or post-award accounting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and manage technological resources to improve operations and compliance processes.
• Familiarity with federal funding regulations, including OMB Uniform Guidance and agency-specific requirements (e.g., NSF, NIH).
• Solutions-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities, with a focus on efficiency.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration and build consensus.
• Expertise with research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, Grants.gov, Pivot) and financial management tools, with a willingness to learn and leverage emerging technologies.

Unusual Working Conditions

Deadline-oriented position may require evening and weekend work as needed.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.