Post Award Specialist

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation's oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

Job Summary

Under general administrative direction, manages post-award sponsored program activities for assigned unit(s) using knowledge of grant and contract management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills and regularly monitors all grant expenditures for duration of an award period related to effort, expenses, outside contracts, etc.

The Post-Award Specialist is a member of the GO Center and works collaboratively to advance research at Saint Louis University (SLU). The Post-Award Specialist is a member of a team and is expected to contribute to the team effort by assisting colleagues to ensure timely service to departments, units, and sponsors, and as needed to perform back-up duties during staff vacation or sick leaves.

This position requires direct contact with faculty and administrative staff at SLU as well as with professional staff at the federal government, non-federal sponsors, corporate sponsors, and other institutions. Customer service is a high priority and professionalism is required at all times.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Post-Award Functions

• Performs post-award sponsored program activities for assigned unit(s) within the GO Center. Post-award activities include, but are not limited to establishing grant awards, assisting Principal Investigators (PIs) with grant purchases, initiating SSAs/subcontracts based on project needs, preparing budget revisions and reallocations, and preparing appropriate financial reports
• Manages a larger and more complex grant and contract award portfolio from various units
• Sets up award and budget in appropriate University systems
• Reviews budgets and reconciles award expenditures on a regular basis
• Understands PI concerns in relation to grant/contract management and is able to formulate solutions and answers to questions or issues raised by the PI
• Meets and/or communicates with PIs regularly regarding grant awards
• Projects and forecasts future award expenditures
• Manages budget, reporting, and compliance timelines through the lifecycle of the grant or contract
• Monitors compliance with sponsor and University regulations regarding reporting and completes financial reports to be sent to sponsor as required by the award terms and conditions
• Assists PIs with non-financial report submissions, requests for No Cost Extensions, Carryover, re-budgeting requests, changes in scope, and other changes to the award, as well as ensures all requests are done in compliance with sponsor guidelines and University policies
• Facilitates the submission and approval of invoices to pay subcontractors
• Prepares and maintains EPAFs for all grant personnel
• Reviews effort reports and manages quarterly effort certification process
• Applies federal and university rules to management of effort allocation appropriately for individuals compensated by federal awards
• Monitors indirect-cost recovery income from grant awards
• Assists in transferring awards out of the University
• Closes out all funded projects consistent with University process and timelines
• Follows and adheres to SOPs related to post-award functions

Post-Award Outreach and Liaison

• Interacts and collaborates regularly with GO Center staff, various internal administrative staff, and professional staff at the federal government, non-federal sponsors, corporate sponsors, and other institutions
• Works effectively with other university offices (central, school, departments, divisions, GO Centers) on post-award sponsored program activities
• Contributes information and ideas related to areas of responsibility as part of a cross functional team
• Acts as a resource to the GO Center in interpreting and administering federal regulations, as well as interpreting complex award requirements

Other

• Assists with a variety of grants/contract/research administration management systems internal and external to the University
• Performs related responsibilities as required

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of grant processes and award/contract management
• Ability to implement and maintain budgets
• Ability to perform budget reporting and forecasting
• Proficiency at developing and utilizing spreadsheets
• Report preparation skills
• Ability to maintain accurate records and attention to details
• Strong knowledge of best practices in research administration and current regulations in the areas of research administration (OMB A-21, A-110, A-113, or the Uniform Guidance) or interpretation of similar regulations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with the diverse campus community and representatives from foundations and federal agencies
• Ability to manage detail and to organize and prioritize workload during high-pressure, high volume workload periods
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, heavy-volume department
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships
• Ability to exercise absolute discretion regarding confidential matters
• Ability to work effectively and collegially with little supervision and as a member of a team
• Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills and ability to work with various internal and sponsor electronic systems
• Ability to travel to various on-campus locations on a daily basis

Minimum Qualifications

Level I MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree required; experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic setting preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Level II MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree required; supplemented with at least 2 years of experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level III MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree required; supplemented with at least 4 years experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic setting or equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters degree preferred.

Function

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.