Director of Contracts and Grants

At CVD, our pursuit transcends research; we are on a mission to save lives and foster health equity. Established in 1974, our Center embodies the spirit of innovation, developing vaccines that address the world’s most pressing infectious diseases. With a robust legacy of over 100 U.S. patents, our global footprint extends from the labs of the University of Maryland to the farthest reaches of underserved populations. Our multidisciplinary approach tackles existing diseases and prepares us to combat emerging pathogens, ensuring a healthier future for all. Join us in our journey from discovery to global impact and be part of the vaccine revolution securing humanity’s well-being.

The Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) is currently recruiting for a Director for Contracts and Grants. This role will be responsible for full lifecycle research administration. The ideal candidate will have pre-award and post-award experience.

Primary duties:

• Provide direction to institute/center/department by assuring that proposals and awards follow federal, state, agency, and institutional policies. Direct the authorization and transmittal of all proposals and negotiates complex agreements. Develop, enhance, and provide guidance to all contract and grant functions for business unit and staff members. Collaborate with management to ensure the deliverance of high-quality service.
• Provide a high level of service to the faculty and the research community throughout the life cycle of funding with focus in Pre-Award Research Administration.
• Provide expertise in strategic planning, organizational and management analysis, and grants and contracts management for the unit. Provides PI and management with ad hoc reports in support of strategic plan.
• Direct the authorization and transmittal of all proposals and negotiate complex agreements.
• Develop, enhance, and provide guidance to all lifecycle contract and grant functions.
• Review, interpret, communicate, and ensure sponsor guidelines are in compliance and eligibility information is defined within proposals.
• Oversee all documentation for the department and the sub awards. Identify and gain approvals for invention statement and publications have been completed in ERA commons.
• Identify issues and independently resolve and assist others in issue resolution as needed.
• Anticipate roadblocks and able to independently resolve.
• Ensure that the evaluation criteria for review of grant and contract applications and funding agency guidelines and regulations are followed. Advise faculty as to policies and procedures of those agencies as well as those of the state and University.
• Oversee the provision of information regarding research funding opportunities to faculty members. Assist faculty in administering and maximizing funds available to conduct research.
• Review and approve reports including financial reporting and grant applications.
• Maintain database of all grants submitted including tracking individual faculty grant histories, success rates by agency, and providing faculty with historical perspectives regarding research opportunities. Review purchase order requests on equipment and large supply orders to ensure funding available and policies are followed.
• Translate program requirements into contract terms in consultation with PI. Identify, develop, and ensure contract requirements contain quantifiable specification and measurable performance criteria. Validate the performance criteria will meet the requirements.
• Develop safeguards to ensure the integrity of grant administration or contracts and protects the University from financial losses. Ensure sub awards are in compliance with terms and conditions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing and modifying practices to adjust to capacity and provide maximum effectiveness.
• Provide direction of partnership by consulting on complex contracts that require integrating proposals from subcontractors and other third parties. Establish review criteria to understand if partnership is a vendor vs. subcontract.
• Create a cohesive work team that works collaboratively to achieve unit’s goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: Seven (7) years progressively building research administrative background with at least 4 years in full life-cycle research administration.
• Supervisory Experience: Three (3) years in a management/leadership level.
• Preferred Certification/Licensure: Certified Research Administrator (preferred)
• Other: Financial disclosure reporting required by State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Completion of a 12 credit Research Administration graduate certificate program can be considered for the equivalent of one (1) year of relevant research administration work experience.

UMB is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law or policy. For assistance related to employment, please contact the Staffing department at HRJobs@umaryland.edu.  

If you anticipate needing a reasonable accommodation for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), during any part of the employment process, please submit a UMB Job Applicant Accommodation Request. You may also contact HRDiversity@umaryland.edu. Please note that only inquiries concerning an ADA request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. 

UMB offers a comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes wellness, work/life balance, and professional development. This position participates in a retirement program that must be selected and is effective on your date of hire. Exempt regular staff receive a generous PAID leave package that includes over 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 15 paid holidays, 3 personal leave, unlimited accrual of sick time, and comprehensive health insurance; professional learning and development programs; tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school; and flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).