Grants & Contracts Manager

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Research and Program Support
Temporary
Office of the Vice-President, Research and International - Institutional Research Operations II
Posting Information:
This position is being offered as a contract position.
Responsible for providing expert advice, research administration and project management services to UW faculty members who are applying for, or hold, grant, contract, or award funding for research related activities.
Grants and Contracts Managers are located in one of four groups within the Office of Research: Research Partnerships, International Research and Partnerships, Institutional Research, and Funding Agencies and Non-Profit Sponsors. Grants and Contracts Managers are expected to develop their skills to at least the proficient level. The levels are defined primarily by level of expertise and experience, the scope of influence and responsibility (portfolio/section/office of research/university-wide/external), and the complexity and impact of the portfolio. Support faculty with submission and awarding of grants and contracts
· Edit research proposals and applications for completeness, grammar, formatting and spelling
· Aid faculty members in the establishment and management of budget requirements
· Target faculty / proposals needing particular support (e.g. new faculty)
· Ensure that proposals conform to UW policies and procedures pertaining to payment terms, liability, publication, licensing and intellectual property rights and overhead
· Manage the submission of proposals / nominations in accordance with the policies, guidelines and deadlines of the relevant funding sponsor (online and / or by paper) and UW
· Act as central point of contact to coordinate and provide proactive and ongoing support for large, complex projects deemed of strategic importance to the institution
Manage post-award research administration responsibilities for grants / contracts / awards
· Understand university policies and procedures as they relate to research grants and contracts, financial management, procurement services and human resources
· Negotiate and execute (per procedure 1A) all research-related agreements, including those with the sponsor, collaborating institutions, and partner organizations, and also data and material transfer agreements, etc.
· Protect the university from academic, reputational and financial risk through careful agreement and contract negotiation, balanced by the need to be flexible and responsive to research sponsors, while facilitating the research enterprise
· Clearly articulate and advise faculty members and/or students of the implications and obligations implied by contract terms, and suggesting alternatives when concerns are raised during negotiations
· Manage financial set-up, and assurances of required certifications (e.g. ethics, biohazards) and special risks (e.g. information security, controlled goods)
· Ensure that annual financial and project progress reports are submitted
· Ensure that required agreements are signed by project participants
· Provide administrative advice to faculty, departments, schools and other senior administrators regarding general problem-solving, executing amendments to agreements and grants such as date extensions, overseeing budgetary reallocations, submission of deliverables and progress reports, resolution of payment problems and disputes regarding deliverables, correspondence with external sponsors to ensure effective performance monitoring of research projects
· Ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the award and ensuring audit requirements are met
· Ensure accurate, consistent and efficient workflow to best support researchers
· Ensure accurate data for institutional analyses
Develop relationships with sponsors to enable effective communication when questions or concerns arise
Manage internal funding or nomination programs
· Provide analysis of internal programs to senior management to support strategic decision making
Communications
· Promote funding opportunities and report results of competitions to university community
· Assist the Communications Officer with the preparation of press releases / writing of public communications
· and make recommendations for process improvements
· Prepare non-routine reports and undertake special projects from generalized requirements
· Completion of an undergraduate degree is required, with a Master's degree preferred; or equivalent related education and experience that provides strong knowledge of an academic research environment
· Expertise in particular academic disciplines may be desirable for certain sponsor portfolios
Minimum 4+ years demonstrated experience in project management and administration are essential, as well as budget development
· Proven ability to evaluate and edit grant proposals and negotiate agreements and contracts
Must have exceptional communication (oral and written), negotiation, consultation, and presentation skills
· Strong proficiency with a variety of computer software applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database management is required
Equity Statement
Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities.