Director, Research Programs (REMOTE)

Chandra Gruber

The ADA is searching for a Director of Research Programs who will lead day-to-day grant administration activities of the research programs portfolio.

The Director will oversee the execution of the grant management life cycle, pre- and post-award grants operations and grant review processes to support timely review and funding of high-quality research applications. This role will lead grantmaking workflows to create, implement and maintain effective grant administration practices that enable ADA to achieve its strategic funding goals. Responsibilities include oversight of grant program budgets, as well as providing grant management expertise and overall department project management.

The Director will lead a small team of grant operations specialists and reports directly to the Vice President of Research and Science.

This position is remote-based with occasional travel.

Compensation Range: $87K-$95K DOE

Responsibilities:

• Lead ADA’s grant pipeline which includes timely launch of RFAs for various grant mechanisms, oversee administrative and peer review procedures, and awarding and monitoring of funded grants, including financial and progress reports.
• Serve as the primary liaison for Research Policy Committee and Pathway Mentor Advisory Group members.
• Assist the Vice President of Research and Science and Research Policy Committee in the development, review, and implementation of grant programs, mechanisms, and policies for research programs.
• Lead planning and management of research reviewer Chairs and peer reviewers and execution of grant review meetings (in person or virtual).
• Serve as primary contact with Legal Affairs and funded institutions in patent-related and grant agreement/contracting issues.
• Oversee grant management application (Blackbaud Grantmaking) including optimization, maintenance of systems and data integrity.
• Plan and execute research programs events , including the Pathway Symposium at Scientific Sessions, awardee workshops and select ad hoc meetings (subcommittee meetings, special events, etc.).
• Assist the Vice President by providing information on research activities, reports and budgets for communication to program and organizational stakeholders.
• Lead maintenance of records and details of policies and procedures for grant program application and review to ensure business continuity of research programs.
• Manage program operating and grant budgets, including monitoring research program expenses and financial forecasting, performing monthly reconciliation and annual auditing with Financial Services.
• Oversee award budgets, financial progress reports, award transfer requests, No Cost Extension requests and budget revisions for all grants.
• Oversee development and maintenance of research program content on ADA’s professional websites and review and approval of grant related content used to disseminate programmatic messaging.
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 7+ years’ leading grant operations and administration including experience with peer-review, pre-award and post-award management required.
• Ability to optimize and implement process improvements across the grant lifecycle.
• Competence with enterprise grant management systems (Blackbaud Grantmaking preferred).
• Experience in managing personnel, including direct and indirect management.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Deep and broad experience implementing grant management processes, procedures and policies and a robust understanding of best practices in grantmaking.
• The ability to prioritize, multi-task, and work independently to manage multiple concurrent activities and complex grant portfolios.
• Strong attention to detail, and proven ability to effectively manage large amounts of data and communications in an organized, timely and accurate manner.
• Ability to gain and maintain strong understanding and rapid recall of complex policies and to effectively communicate and explain them to constituents in both verbal and written form.
• 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.