Director, Contracts & Grants for a Department/Institute

UMB is seeking a Director of Contracts & Grants for the Department of Radiation Oncology in the School of Medicine.

About the role

This position primarily (>50%) performs significant managerial functions, providing subject-matter expertise in research administration. The Director develops, implements, and manages goals and objectives, participates in strategic planning, and enforces processes, practices, and policies. Responsibilities include managing operations, workflow, projects, and systems with strategic impact, ensuring legal and policy compliance, and supporting upper-level senior professionals in strategic direction. The role involves substantial decision-making authority and acting on behalf of senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction to ensure proposals and awards comply with federal, state, agency, and institutional policies.
• Direct the authorization and transmittal of all proposals and negotiate complex agreements.
• Develop, enhance, and guide all contract and grant functions for the business unit and staff.
• Collaborate with management to deliver high-quality service and provide leadership for operational aspects of contracts and grant management.
• Provide expertise in strategic planning, organizational and management analysis, and grants and contracts management.
• Generate ad-hoc reports for Principal Investigators (PIs) and management to support strategic planning.
• Review, interpret, and ensure compliance with sponsor guidelines and eligibility information in proposals.
• Oversee all documentation for the department and sub-awards, including invention statements and publications in ERA Commons.
• Identify and resolve issues independently, anticipating roadblocks and assisting others in resolution.
• Ensure evaluation criteria for grant and contract applications align with funding agency guidelines and regulations.
• Advise faculty on policies and procedures of funding agencies, the state, and the University.
• Oversee institutional documentation and records related to compliance functions impacting the portfolio and regulatory matters.
• Ensure OGC systems and processes capture sufficient data to support or complement the compliance program.
• Provide information on research funding opportunities to faculty and assist in administering and maximizing available funds.
• Review and approve financial reports and grant applications, ensuring accuracy and reconciliation with records.
• Oversee effort reporting and cost-sharing decisions related to administration and development within the unit.
• Maintain a database of all grants submitted, tracking faculty grant histories, success rates by agency, and providing historical perspectives on research opportunities.
• Review purchase order requests for equipment and large supply orders to ensure funding availability and policy compliance.
• Translate program requirements into contract terms in consultation with PIs, ensuring quantifiable specifications and measurable performance criteria.
• Develop safeguards to protect the integrity of grant administration and contracts, ensuring sub-awards comply with terms and conditions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by analyzing and modifying practices for maximum effectiveness.
• Consult on complex contracts requiring integration of proposals from subcontractors and third parties.
• Establish review criteria to determine if a partnership is a vendor or subcontract.
• Foster a cohesive work team that collaborates to achieve unit goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Seven (7) years of progressively building research administrative background, with at least 4 years in full life-cycle research administration.
• Three (3) years of supervisory/management experience.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Completion of a 12-credit Research Administration graduate certificate program can substitute for one (1) year of relevant experience.
• Financial disclosure reporting required by the State of Maryland Ethics Commission.

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of position requirements, applicable regulations, and laws.
• Proficiency in using applicable technology and systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to support a mission and strategic vision.
• Instructional, training, and team-building skills to strengthen relationships.
• Consultation and change management skills.
• Ability to demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to UMB’s Core Values: Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) effective on date of hire.
• Generous paid leave package: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued annually, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable).

Pay

$132,000 - $150,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience.

UMB is a public university and constituent institution of the University System of Maryland. All employees are expected to work primarily within the State of Maryland.