Research Administration Pre-Award Director

Research Administration Pre-Award DirectorGeorge Mason University is a growing R1 University with strong institutional support for research. The University submits over $750 million in proposals and receives approximately $175 million in awards annually. The Office of Research Services provides the full-range of research administrative and research compliance services to the Mason Research Community. Research Services seeks applicants for the position of Research Administration Pre-Award Director. The Research Administration Pre-Award Director will report to the Associate Vice President, Research Services and will support Colleges, Schools, and University level institutes, the Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development, and other central offices that do not possess their own pre-award research administration staff.This newly established position will provide direct support and establish a team responsible for supporting Principal Investigators (PIs) interested in submitting proposals for externally sponsored funding whose local unit does not have local pre-award support. The team will support a diverse portfolio of work in close collaboration with faculty, Institute Directors, Chief Business Officers, Associate Deans, and other administrative leaders.George Mason University has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.Responsibilities:Manages a team responsible for pre-award functions related to externally sponsored funding to include reviewing and approving work. Assigns work to team members and tracks workload to ensure performance expectations are maintained. Provides direction, mentoring, training and professional development to staff.Serves as a resource for team members and research questions as they arise. All relevant updates are communicated to the team. The Director will take an active role in the training and mentoring of new team members.The Director will serve as the main point of contact and take the lead on large, collaborative, multi-disciplinary proposals and awards by leading meetings and developing a timeline for proposal submissions.The Director will maintain and support the pre-award activities of a select portfolio of academic and central units. Duties include budget and proposal development, submission of final proposal, re-budgets, no-cost extensions, and other pre-award actions.The Director will work with the Associate VP, Research Services, other duties as assigned such as special projects, training development, and other institutional needs.Required Qualifications:Demonstrated knowledge of Federal and State rules and regulations concerning grants and contracts. Ability to interpret and apply State and Federal rules and regulations. University and/or Sponsored Program experience. Highly developed time-management, problem resolution, and organizational skills. Supervisory or team management experience desired.Clear and effective communication skills (verbal and non-verbal), strong analytical skills and high attention to detail; process improvement, problem-solving, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Internet skills, diplomacy.Effectively manage multiple priorities; work calmly under pressure with a sustained level of accuracy and productivity; demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and initiative. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and faculty, and must be able to work autonomously as well as collaboratively in a group or structured setting.Must be experienced and comfortable reviewing proposal and award guidelines, interpreting federal, state, university and sponsor specific guidelines, policies and procedures and working with multiple PIs. Must also possess effective time management skills and be a quick learner to a variety of electronic systems used in this position. A strong focus on customer service, time management, teamwork, professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail is essential.Education, Training and Experience:Master's Degree in Business, Accounting or related field of study, or equivalent education and experience.Certified Research Administrator (Preferred).Considerable sponsored program experience (typically 5+ years).Candidates must be:A citizen of the United States;A person who is a lawful permanent resident of the United States (a "Green Card" holder);A person who is a "protected individual" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a) (3); orA person who is otherwise able to become generally eligible to receive unclassified technical data pursuant to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

For full consideration, applicants must apply at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and upload a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references with contact information.

"Great Careers Begin at Mason! George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report "Up and Coming" spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition."