Assistant Director, Post Award

Assistant Director, Post Award Assistant Director, Post Award

Company:

Villanova University

Job Location:

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Category:

Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Type:

Full-Time

Posting Number:

20260111S Location

Villanova, PA Work Schedule:

full-time/12-months

Department:

281-Office of Grants & Contracts Position Summary Why work at Villanova? Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University's founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others. Villanova has been included among the nation's best colleges and universities. VU's inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 "Best Colleges" rankings is another indication of the University's continued prominence and forward momentum. Villanova's most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more. The Assistant Director of Post-Award is responsible for the management of post-award operations in the Office of Grants and Contracts (OG&C), including the strengthening, establishment, direction, and oversight of post-award procedures and operations. This position ensures compliant, efficient, and service-oriented administration of the university's sponsored projects portfolio. The Assistant Director supervises post-award staff, oversees financial and regulatory compliance, supports principal investigators (PIs), and partners with central offices (Finance, HR, Procurement, Compliance) to ensure proper stewardship of sponsored funds in accordance with institutional and federal policies, as well as additional sponsor requirements. The Assistant Director of Post-Award is a member of the OG&C leadership team, working in close collaboration and coordination with all OG&C staff, College leadership (Research Deans, College Finance, College Grants Admin, etc.), Provost Office, Compliance Office, Office of Research Protections, etc. Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values. Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Supervision Supervise and mentor post-award administrators and support staff Establish workload distribution, performance expectations, and training plans Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and customer service across post award team Lead process improvement initiatives, including the standardization and implementation of operating procedures; assess and strengthen post-award policies, procedures, and internal controls Work closely with Assistant Director, Pre-Award, to ensure smooth and efficient transition from pre-award to post-award Work closely with Director to monitor award growth, risk exposure, compliance trends, gaps in infrastructure, weaknesses and deficiencies in internal controls; recommend operational improvements Post-Award Function and Oversight Review proposal budgets and budget justifications prior to submission to ensure costs are allowable and sufficiently justified Oversee award setup, account establishment, and budget allocation Monitor expenditures for allowability, allocability, and reasonableness and consistency with institutional policies Review and approve cost transfers/labor re-distributions, rebudgeting, and no-cost extensions consistent with both institutional and federal policies Ensure timely submission of all required non-financial reports\ Coordinate award closeout activities Policy, Process and Maintenance Ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal regulations, sponsor terms and conditions Interface with sponsors when there are questions related to guidelines, regulations and compliance issues. Remain current on changes to federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures. Work with OG&C leadership and staff on how to best implement and maintain compliance function Oversee effort commitments and serve as main point of contact for the Research Accounting Office for effort certification Provide guidance on allowable costs, prior approvals, and audit readiness; Support the OG&C Director in responding to internal and external audit requests Establish standards for document retention in institutional award records. Monitor records for completeness and accuracy. Perform regular audits of dashboard data and correct/update as needed. Monitor OG&C website to ensure resources are accurate and up to date. Post-Award Trainings and Engagement Build relationships with individuals and areas across the University engaged with sponsored projects. Participate in various University committees and ad-hoc working groups related to sponsored projects matters. Perform other duties and assist with special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Formal Education Bachelor's degree required, Minimum Work Experience At least 5 years' experience working directly with sponsored awards and contracts in Higher Ed setting. Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills) Attention to detail required. Ability to work independently and prioritize workload. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex requirements into simple and actionable recommendations. Possess critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills. Maintain discretion and confidentiality in all professional matters. Friendly and supportive demeanor, and ability to communicate clearly and professionally. Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area) Thorough and demonstrated understanding of federal grant regulations and their implementation in the higher education setting. Ability to understand contractual requirements. Ability to apply federal and sponsor regulations to financial transactions, sponsored award budgets and sponsored award proposal content. Supervisory or team leadership experience. Process improvement mindset. Equipment Knowledge Fluency in Microsoft Office suite. Preferred Qualifications MS or CRA certification preferred. Knowledge of Cayuse Suite and Banner preferred Salary Posting Information This position falls within salaried grade 17 and the range is $82,400-103,000. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate's qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity. Salary Grade 17 HigherEd360 is part of the HigherEdJobs network.