Director Of Budget, Finance, & Operation-College of Social Work Office of Research Administration-UTK

Job Description

The College of Social Work Office of Research Administration (CSWORA) seeks a Director of Research Budget, Finance, and Operations who will enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to provide fiscal and operational support for CSWORA. We need a hardworking and flexible professional who will be responsible for managing the annual contracts that fund the office, as well as overseeing the human resources and business operation. The Budget, Finance and Operations Director will play a key role in leading the financial strategy and operations for CSWORA. This position will report to the Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration and will provide strategic leadership and direct and indirect oversight of fiscal, information technology and operations within CSWORA.

Who We Are:

The College of Social Work Office of Research Administration's Mission is to facilitate and support the research efforts of the faculty, students and research staff in the college and research centers. The office supports investigative research activities by advising about funding opportunities, assisting with the development of proposals, developing budgets, supporting post-award grant management, ensuring proposals and projects comply with university, agency, state and federal guidelines and serving as a liaison with the UTK Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Reporting to the College of Social Work Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration, this position provides leadership for all of CSWORA administration functions including budgeting and financial planning, facilities and operations, information technology, data management, and strategic planning. The position supervises CSWORA fiscal/operations unit staff and has the following primary duties and responsibilities:

CSWORA Leadership and Oversight:

• Supervise and develop the Research Business Office staff. Hires staff, assign tasks, set goals, monitor and/or approve assignment of work functions, continuity planning, and complete annual performance reviews. This includes analyzing the work structure (including hybrid/in-person/remote work agreements) and assigning tasks to appropriate individuals to ensure effective administration of daily activities and processes.
• Subject matter expert for the college ensuring that critical information, assistance and advice to CSWORA administration, researchers and staff with proposal submission and award administration are being provided based on the current UT policy and policies set by funding sources, including federal Uniform Guidance.
• Establish Research office policies, procedures and best practices for review, submission and processing of research proposals and proposal budgets. Ensure that best practices are supportive of CSW/CSWORA goals, and are consistent with policies and guidelines for UT and funding sources.
• Serve as a point of contact for CSWORA research related matters with ORIED, DRA, UT colleges and other constituencies, as well as with research pre-award specialists at other institutions.
• Design and lead distribution for all annual reports, newsletters and other marketing and data visualizations for the unit.
• Lead financial aspects of external and internal audits
• Evaluates and implements operational efficiencies across areas and leverages solutions around system management and technology and provides campus recommendations of system-wide implementations that would provide value and, improve efficiency and transparency.

Strategic Research Planning and Financial Management

• Maintain research strategic metrics
• Develop comprehensive financial models and dashboards for monitoring and reporting on grant-related expenditures.
• Work closely with senior leadership to ensure financial strategies are aligned with organizational objectives.
• Manages annual research funds provided by the college, directing financial staff on the distribution of funds to the departments.
• Implement robust internal controls to protect financial assets and mitigate risks.
• Primary department approver in University's ERP system

Research Support for Large and/or Complex Proposals

• Work with facility investigators, ORIED and DRA on budgets and cost share requests for large and/or complex proposals.
• Resolve complex problems related to negotiations with funding sources and proposal submissions, including sub-awards, partnerships with 2-year colleges, non-profits, industry and foreign funding agencies, as well as voluntary cost share requests.
• Provide higher levels of CSWORA support for investigators working on large center or institute-scale proposals.
• Help resolve problems related to transition from pre-award budgets to post-award accounts and expenditure plans.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3 years of experience related to sponsored research, with extensive experience with state and federal funding agencies, including experience interpreting and applying federal regulations relative to sponsored research
• At least one year of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree
• 5 years of experience related to sponsored research, preferably within a university environment or in a corporate setting with extensive experience with state and federal funding agencies, including experience interpreting and applying federal regulations relative to sponsored research
• 3 or more years of supervisory experience and experience developing team approaches to providing service to stakeholders

Work Location

• Position has the possibility of being remote but may require travel to the State of Tennessee on occasion

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 14
• Anticipated hiring range: $85,000 - $95,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Process

Interested individuals should provide (1) a cover letter addressing professional experience relevant to each required and preferred qualification, (2) a resume, and (3) complete contact information for 3 professional references.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.

About Us

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state's flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

Ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates", "One of America's Best Large Employers", "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.