Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Contract and Compliance plays a critical role in supporting the mission of the University by ensuring that all sponsored projects and contracts are managed in full compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. This role ensures accountability, transparency, and regulatory alignment for all externally funded grants\u2014contributing to institutional excellence, capacity building, and community impact.

Reporting to the Director of Government Sponsored Programs and Research/Title III, the Assistant Director of Contract and Compliance oversees the review, negotiation, and management of contracts and agreements related to sponsored programs. This grant funded position is also responsible for monitoring Time and Effort certification, providing training to faculty and staff, and maintaining institutional readiness for internal and external audits.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Compliance Oversight & Risk Mitigation

• Act as the primary liaison for grant compliance, ensuring full alignment with federal, state, institutional, and sponsor-specific regulations\u2014including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), EDGAR, and agency-specific requirements such as those from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Review, negotiate, and manage grant contracts, cooperative agreements, and subawards to ensure alignment with federal, state, and university policies.
• Assist in the development of institutional policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Monitor and audit grant-funded programs for compliance, and coordinate timely resolution of discrepancies or disallowances with principal investigators and relevant departments.
• Informs principal investigators/project directors of any compliance issues regarding grantor agency regulations, and disallowances with their program. Assists in correcting discrepancies and monitors corrective actions.
• Works as part of a team with other grants office staff in performing grants office activities and assists the office with maintaining and analysis of awards to inform future decisions/plans to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
• Support internal and external audit processes by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Time & Effort Certification

• Manage the full lifecycle of time and effort reporting for federal grants, including preparation, distribution, collection, and reconciliation of certification forms.
• Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, and the Business Office to ensure accurate reporting and documentation of compensation charged to grant accounts.

Grant & Contract Support

• Provide technical guidance, training, and post-award support to faculty and staff on grant-related financial and programmatic matters.
• Review all contracts and agreements for compliance
• Assist in post-award processes, including award setup, account verification, reporting, and closeout procedures.
• Disseminate information and updates to principal investigators and institutional leadership regarding the financial and compliance status of awards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned in support of institutional goals and sponsored program success.
• Provide training and outreach to university personnel on contract terms, allowable costs, Time and Effort certification, and audit readiness.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3\u20135 years of experience in grant or contract administration, with a focus on compliance in a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Knowledge of Time and Effort Reporting certification requirements under Uniform Guidance.
• Strong understanding of federal and state regulations related to sponsored programs.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex contracts and legal documents.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to advancing equity, excellence, and accountability.

Preferred:

• Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., Certified Research Administrator [CRA], Certified Professional Contracts Manager [CPCM], or equivalent).
• Familiarity with electronic research administration tools and grant management systems (e.g., Cayuse).
• Knowledge of Title III and other U.S. Department of Education discretionary grants.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of federal compliance requirements, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex regulations to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
• Experience with grant management software systems and institutional financial systems preferred.
• Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute proactively to team goals.