About Us - Values Overview

Department Summary

Grants and Contracts Administration (GCA) within the Division of Research & Innovation supports the University of North Texas, a tier 1 research university, in its endeavor to excel in its research mission. GCA aspires to be a model organization in the field of research administration, providing exceptional of externally funded sponsored projects and envision an environment that facilitates the University of North Texas' commitment to research and encourages continued efforts to attract additional research funding.

Position Overview

The Senior Director Grants & Contracts Administration for Post Award Grant Management is a critical leadership role within the Grants & Contracts Administration unit of the Division of Research & Innovation. The Senior Director will lead the development and implementation of standardized post-award policies, procedures, and training programs across UNT. This position is responsible for restoring operational integrity and compliance across UNT’s research enterprise. They will oversee staff and management of effort reporting, subrecipient monitoring, financial reconciliation, and compliance with federal, state, and sponsor regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and seven years of closely related professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
* Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
* Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
* Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
* Skill in giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
* Ability to work effectively within a complex organization structure.
* Skill in active learning by understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision-making.
* Skill in identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
* Knowledge of budget control methods, policies, and procedures.
* Knowledge of accounting procedures and methods, and the ability to apply them to difficult or complex transactions.
* Knowledge of, or ability to learn, policies, procedures, and guidelines established by professional organizations and/or governing agencies. 
* Ability to develop, interpret, and evaluate policies and procedures. 
* Ability to identify and incorporate continuous changes in federal and state policies and procedures, ensuring University and department compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

* Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and/or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
* 5 years or more work experience in research administration or higher education finance

Job Duties

• Oversees and monitors fiscal compliance with sponsor regulations, university policies, and procedures to mitigate audit risk and protect funding eligibility.
• Establishes quality assurance protocols and internal controls for financial administration of grants and contracts
• Manages a team of professional staff and supervisors, including oversight of decentralized research administrators in colleges and units 
• Guides and manages post-award operations within the Office of Grants and Contracts Administration and across campus units to ensure institutional alignment
• Leads strategic planning and develops policies and procedures for post-award fiscal operations across the institution 
• Hires, trains, and evaluates staff to ensure consistent understanding of evolving federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Assists with hiring positions across campus units. 
• Designs and delivers post-award management training programs for campus stakeholders to promote compliance and consistency
• Assists with audit coordination and ensures timely resolution of findings to safeguard UNT’s reputation and operational integrity 

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm. Some evenings and weekends as needed to meet deadlines. - Hybrid

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted. Please include a cover letter, resume, and references when completing the application.

Benefits

For information regarding our Benefits, click here.

EEO Statement

The University of North Texas System is firmly committed to equal opportunity and does not permit -- and takes actions to prevent -- discrimination, harassment (including sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking) and retaliation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its application, employment practices and facilities; nor permits race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or sex discrimination and harassment in its admissions processes, and educational programs and activities, facilities and employment practices. The University of North Texas System promptly investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment and related retaliation and takes remedial action when appropriate. The University of North Texas System also takes actions to prevent retaliation against individuals who oppose any form of harassment or discriminatory practice, file a charge or report, or testify, assist or participate in an investigative proceeding or hearing.