Award Manager

About The Position

The Award Manager (AM) is accountable for providing organization-level research administration services. The AM must successfully execute research administration, maintain excellent financial management skills, and effectively deliver award negotiations, ensuring compliance, and the ability to monitor award execution through to project closure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, or related field
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience in research administration, particularly managing federally-funded awards in an academic or research institution setting
• Strong understanding of federal regulations and policies governing sponsored research with knowledge of industry best practices
• Experience managing fixed price, time & materials/labor hour, and cost type contracts (and/or subcontracts) and solid understanding of regulations associated with the administration of each
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in financial management and reporting
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact responsively and professionally with diverse stakeholders
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
• Intermediate level experience with Excel and other Microsoft Office Software required
• Developed understanding of OMB Regulations, DoDGARs, FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations
• Certified Research Administrator and/or Certified Federal Contracts Manager preferred
• Knowledge of DoD medical research enterprise desired

Management Responsibilities

• Accountable for personnel recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and retention of direct reports
• Conduct counseling, corrective action, up to and including termination, in collaboration with People Operations and Director
• Monitor time and effort reporting for research personnel
• Ensure direct reports demonstrate understanding and competence in their role
• Plan and facilitate individual and team meetings
• Develop and deliver training for peers and other members of program team

Expanded Responsibilities: Business Development Research and Development (BD R&D)

• Collaborate with BD R&D to support strategies that drive research growth across Geneva’s portfolios
• Engage in strategic analysis and relationship development/management with current and potential sponsors, sites, researchers, and partners to identify opportunities for:
• Research growth,
• Portfolio collaboration strategies,
• and Maintain accurate and timely entries within HubSpot.
• Distribute funding opportunities internally and externally; conduct and disseminate targeted funding searches upon request.

Pre-Award

• Conduct needs assessment meetings with PIs; advise on best practices for proposal development, administrative requirements, and timelines
• Independently develop budgets and budget justifications using PI-provided budget wish lists, ensuring alignment with sponsor requirements
• Accurately interpret sponsor guidelines and incorporate requirements into proposal documents, internal routing forms, and communication to stakeholders
• Understand and comply with Geneva’s Indirect Cost (IDC) waiver requirements; ensure proper documentation and approvals
• Conduct lay review of proposal components including:
• Grammar, spelling, and formatting,
• Narrative consistency and logic/flow,
• Feasibility of executing proposed work,
• and Adherence to FOA/solicitation instructions.
• Facilitate clear communication management to track proposal components, missing items, deadlines, and internal/external dependencies.

Research Operations and Financial Stewardship

• Hold regular meetings with Principal Investigators and scientific staff to discuss project progress, operational challenges, upcoming phases of work, and strategic needs
• Oversee, analyze, and review monthly budget reports and financial forecasts to ensure projects remain financially healthy and aligned with sponsor requirements
• Review financial transactions within Geneva’s financial system for accuracy and completeness; identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies and data integrity issues
• Prepare timely, accurate financial documentation including reconciliations, internal reports, sponsor-facing reports, and materials required for audits or reviews
• Communicate financial data to principal investigators in a clear, tailored manner suitable for varying levels of financial literacy

Pay

Salary Range $105,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.