Sponsored Programs is part of the Office of Research, a group dedicated to aiding the research community in navigating the lifecycle of their work, from finding funding to creating proposals to helping inventions find their way to the public.
Brief Summary of the Responsibilities of the Position
The Grant and Finance Administrator (GFA) report to the Director, Shared Services, Sponsored Programs and be an integral part of a team that provides direct support for faculty and staff throughout the lifecycle of a funded project. The individual will be involved in both pre- and post-award activities and will work collaboratively with Schools, Centers, or Departments supported by the Shared Services network. The GFA will be responsible for providing guidance and assistance to faculty and staff in their development and submission of proposals for sponsored research; managing financial accounts; and representing them in communication with university administrative offices and federal and private funding agencies for sponsored research. This position necessitates knowledge of Uniform Guidance, federal funding agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, IES) funding guidelines, as well as familiarity with other major foundations and sponsors. The individual will also be engaged in a variety of initiatives ranging from systems implementation to policy and process development and will remain up to date on developments in research administration through involvement with university committees and meetings.
Essential Functions:
(1) Advise and assist faculty with the development, preparation, and submission of grant proposals, including budget development, preparation of all internal BU paperwork and serves as an interface between the faculty member and Sponsored Programs RA/AD. Primarily responsible for the non-scientific administrative content (ensuring all content is complete, up to date and compliant with sponsor guidelines). Responsible for assembling the entire proposal package in accordance with agency guidelines for a handoff to SP for final review and submission.
(2) Serve as the primary contact for all outgoing sub-award proposals. Work with the sub award site administrative offices to collect all necessary proposal documentation.
(3) Interact with related university offices on behalf of the PI's to provide clarification or amplifying information and to facilitate interpretation of guidelines.
(4) In collaboration with PI's, assist in the preparation and submission of Progress and Final reports to sponsors. Prepare through internal channels grant modifications, pre-award requests and no-cost extensions.
(5) If applicable, in collaboration with PI home departments, maintain documentation such as biographical sketches and Current and Pending Support to ensure they are up to date. (40%)
(1) Provide PI with financial statements showing actual and encumbered expenses, advise faculty of financial progress and projections, and generate plans for appropriate expenditures with regard to project relevance and fund availability.
(2) Advise faculty of University and funding agency guidelines on appropriateness of funding expenditures and compliance issues.
(3) Work with others to appropriately allocate expenditures for reimbursements and other financial transactions related to sponsored awards.
(4) Manage student payroll on sponsored awards.
(5) Coordinate with Department or College Payroll Coordinator for all faculty actions required to ensure continuity of proper salary payments on sponsored awards.
(6) perform After-the-Fact reviews monthly on all sponsored awards. (40%)
The GFA will engage in a variety of initiatives ranging from systems implementation to policy and process development. GFA participates in efforts to improve and simplify research administration including serving on university committees, attending, and presenting at internal and external forums and staying abreast of developments in the research administration arena. (10%)
Other Research Administration and Related Activities:
(1) Liaise with colleagues on shared workloads (approving purchase requisitions, transactions, hiring, etc.).
(2) Provide back-up coverage to other Grant and Finance Administrators as part of the Shared Services Model, especially during vacation or high-volume workload times.
(3) Related duties as required. (10%)
Skills
Work experience: 5 years
Education experience: Bachelor's degree required or related experience
Strong computer skills, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to be flexible and work independently, preferably in research administration at an institution for higher education. Familiarity with SAP preferred.
About Our Benefits
This position is eligible to work remotely. Boston University offers generous benefits including health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, tuition remission, retirement plan, and paid time off. All applications must include a cover letter to be considered.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
