Department
 

PSD Local Business Center

About the Department
 

The Physical Sciences Division (PSD) has a rich history of advancing and defining new fields of discovery in the physical sciences and mathematics, and this tradition of innovation continues today. Our inquiry and impact spans from the edge of the observable universe to human-computer interaction, from biophysical materials science to the geologic record of seawater composition, from gravitational waves to geometric flows, and beyond.

The Physical Sciences Division Local Business Center (PSD-LBC) provides grants and finance management support to faculty, researchers, and administrators for many of the organizations (departments, research centers, and institutes) within the Physical Sciences Division. Our goal is to provide high levels of service in order to advance the PSD’s mission in research and education.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Director of Grants and Contracts for the PSD Local Business Center, the Grants and Contracts Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Chemistry Business Center. These duties have a wide scope which include managing office administration, budgets, and payroll, coordinating with other Divisional and University units, faculty, and staff; the Grants and Contracts Manager provides comprehensive financial/accounting services for PSD faculty.

The job manages a team of professional staff responsible for the financial management of operating and capital budgets for divisions and/or University-wide administrative units. Develops long and short-term plans to achieve financial goals, business strategies/plans, and financial forecasts/models for all major service programs and initiatives. Manages quarterly and year-end reporting for the operating budget. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

Responsible for management of office administration to include accounting, budgeting, pre- and post-award grant administration, recharge operations, purchasing, payroll, with the objective of establishing and implementing the financial policies of the University.

Hires, trains, and supports the Grants and Contracts staff in the fundamentals of pre- and post-award account management.

Manages departmental budgets, recharge operations, and faculty research accounts.

Takes a lead role in coordinating services between the faculty, staff, business centers in the Division, and other administrative units outside the Division such as the Financial Services, Human Resources, Shared Services, and University Research Administration.

Oversees the work of a team of Grants and Contracts Administrators and Grants and Contracts Analysts.

Oversees both Pre-Award and Post-Award grant administration.

Develops performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates. Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and that all faculty and research staff are aware of any new grant policies and changes.

Remains current with agency and regulatory changes. Plans for department/unit compliance with University, Divisional and Department policies and procedures and implements corrective actions for issues identified.

Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

MBA or related advanced degree.

Experience:

Previous supervisory experience, experience leading a team, or similar work experience.

Previous experience with financial services or sponsored projects.

Preferred Competencies

Strong computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.

Time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines.

Knowledge of federal and non-federal grants and contracts administration, including effective budgeting, submission requirements, reporting and administration.

Knowledge of accounting and mathematical aptitude.

Strong financial and analytical skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable with a consultative approach to interacting with employees and faculty.

Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

Ability to research issues and propose solutions to problems.

Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact.

Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals from across the division and University.

Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

Ability to work independently and complete projects on time and accurately with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Financial Management

Role Impact
 

People Manager

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.