Associate Director of Grant Operations, Research Programs (REMOTE)

Chandra Gruber

ADA is searching for a detail oriented Associate Director of Grant Operations to work with our research programs leadership to execute the grant management cycle, pre- and post-award grants operations and grant review processes to support timely review and funding of high-quality research applications.

The Associate Director of Grant Operations will work collaboratively with other team members to support the needs of a dynamic and growing program. The position provides hands-on management of our grants portfolio to ensure successful administration of ADA’s research grantmaking programs and alignment with ADA’s strategic goals. The Associate Director will manage a small team while reporting directly to the Director, Research Programs.
The role’s priorities include but are not limited to: implementation of a rigorous internal and external review process for incoming grant proposals; coordination of grant payments as requirements are fulfilled; optimization of grant operations processes and procedures while maintaining program compliance; preparation of progress and financial reports, and data collection for impact reporting; maintaining online grants database to ensure data integrity; and education of internal and external stakeholders on policies and procedures.

Location: Fulltime, Remote position

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage ADA’s grant lifecycles, pre- and post-award and, grant review processes.
• Generate and maintain online application forms on ADA grants website and grant management tool. Includes current and new research priorities and projects.
• Lead communications to research grant applicants providing information on award status, review critiques, and funding decisions, and appropriately triage and respond to inquiries and concerns of reviewers and applicants regarding the review processes and outcomes.
• Manage maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and records and details for research programs and award administration to ensure business continuity and compliance.
• Serve as grants management database expert and provides critical systems training as needed.
• Serve as primary liaison with Legal Affairs and funded institutions in patent related and grant agreement/contracting issues.
• Oversee review of award grantee budgets and annual financial and scientific progress reports of funded awardees as well as transfer and no cost extension requests and budget revisions.
• Primary point person for grant/awardee escalation issues, supporting Manager, Research Programs in resolution.
• Lead internal and external audits of grant processes and financials, as well as routine monitoring of non-compliance and other risks.
• Primary lead for Review Chairs and peer grant review process, ensuring clarity, understanding of roles and responsibilities, training on use of ADA tools and drafting agenda for review meetings.
• Serve as the primary research department liaison in preparing and sharing research information and reports to constituents and internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist the Research Programs leadership team and Research Policy Committee in the development, review and implementation of grant programs, mechanisms and policies for research programs

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 3 - 5+ years’ experience in grant operations/management and oversight of pre- and post-award and/or peer review processes.
• Experience with enterprise grant management systems (Blackbaud Grantmaking preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, exercise judgement, prioritize, manage multiple complex projects/assignments, and set/meet deadlines with emphasis toward results.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Capacity to work collaboratively with internal staff from different departments, institutional administration, medical professionals and scientific leaders.
• Strong attention to detail, and proven ability to effectively manage large amounts of data in an organized, timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to gain and maintain strong understanding of policies and procedures, and to effectively communicate and explain them in both verbal and written form.
• The ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently to manage multiple concurrent activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, the ability to interact credibly across multiple departments and divisions within the Association and externally, with professional volunteers, donors, sponsors and constituents within the community.

Compensation: $72K- $88K DOE