Northeastern University's Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES) provides leadership and expertise to faculty, investigators and college administrators in support of research and sponsored programs at Northeastern University. NU -- a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial university with a diverse and growing research portfolio -- seeks to hire talented, experienced administrators who are dedicated to supporting investigators secure and manage their extramurally sponsored activities. The University is committed to hiring and developing personnel who enjoy working in a high-performing culture that rewards excellence. To learn more about Northeastern's unique academic environment and generous benefits please see: http://www.northeastern.edu/hrm/. Northeastern is a global university and NU-RES supports its team working remotely. Remote locations and work schedules are determined based on operational needs and in consultation with Team members, consistent with University policies and guidance.
As a key member of the NU-RES Contracts Team, the Subaward Administrator will report to the Director of Grants & Contracts, supporting, facilitating and advancing faculty research and sponsored activities by coordinating and administering the outgoing subawards/subcontract process. The Subaward Administrator drafts and issues outgoing subawards, subcontracts and related amendments under NU's prime federal and non-federal grants, cooperative agreements and contracts in a timely manner, leveraging strong technical knowledge of academic standards and applicable regulatory requirements. This position is responsible for ensuring that all outgoing subawards/subcontracts are in compliance with applicable regulations and NU policies and procedures. The Subaward Administrator must be independent, be able to think critically and have strong interpersonal, collaborative, and project management skills. A sense of humor, high tolerance for ambiguity and preference for working in a deadline-driven environment preferred.
Responsibilities include: Operate as the central point of contact and subject matter expert for subawards for NU faculty, researchers and administrators; management of workflow of subaward activity under a wide range of funding sources including federal, state, local government agencies and industry sponsors, including subcontracts issued under complex federal procurement contracts; timely intake of subaward requests, conduct subrecipient risk assessments, review of prime award file, drafting, issuance and negotiation of outgoing subawards using a high level of professional judgement; prioritize deadlines and workload with a focus on compliance and high levels of customer service and communication; independently review subrecipient scope of work and budgetary data to ensure accuracy and correlation to the prime award; proactively and independently identify and resolve negotiations and questions, coordinating with manager when complex issues arise; ensure all appropriate documentation is completed and the required terms and conditions are included, that the period of performance of sub-award/subcontract is within the period of performance of prime award, and that funds have been set aside appropriately to be awarded to sub-recipient/contractor. Ensure the university maintains complete and accurate documentation and back up for awards.
Coordinate with University offices, including Office of General Counsel, Office of Research Compliance, IT, Risk Services, OHSRP, and EHS as needed for the constructive resolution of contract and agreement issues and post-execution administration of contract awards. The Subaward Administrator will offer effective analytical and creative problem-solving skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment.
Must have demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively, excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated integrity, initiative, professionalism and highly collegial and collaborative approach in all work and in developing and maintaining professional relationships. Strong principle-based negotiation and agreement drafting experience coupled with an understanding of areas of key concern to academic institutions, funding agencies, especially corporate/industry partners.
Assist in identification, development and implementation of subaward management policies and processes, including contribute to on-going process improvement initiatives, e.g., dynamic workflow management, and outreach, education and training programs.
Qualifications:
Experience processing, negotiating, and/or the administration of outgoing subaward agreements from a variety of funding agencies, including but not limited to, the federal government, businesses, non-profit associations, state governments, non-profit and for-profit entities, reviewing and interpreting applicable federal statutes and regulations, including a strong understanding of laws and regulations related to research and sponsored activities (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulations, Uniform Guidance, Intellectual Property, FCOI, IRB/IACUC/IBC, Data/Privacy, Export Controls, etc.) and with a focus on effective subrecipient monitoring. Must be detail oriented and have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions.
Demonstrated knowledge of sponsored research issues including policies (e.g., intellectual property rights, publications, and academic freedom) and best practices, preferably in an academic or corporate setting.
Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced, time-sensitive, innovative environment. Must have a strong commitment to providing professional, timely, value-added courteous service to the university research community. Must have solid judgment and capacity to exercise discretion to resolve ambiguity and promote effective solutions. Must have a strong commitment to constructively contribute to a customer service environment, providing professional, timely, efficient, and courteous service to the university research community.
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in the field of research administration in an academic, non-profit or industry setting and a commitment to continued professional education and development required. Knowledge of government grant regulations, agency policies, and familiarity with customary policies and procedures of an institute of higher education preferred.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. Northeastern is a leader in worldwide experiential learning, urban engagement, and interdisciplinary research that meets global and societal needs. Our broad mix of experience-based education programs?our signature cooperative education program, as well as student research, service learning, and global learning?build the connections that enable students to transform their lives. The University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools.