Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance

Johnson C. Smith University

Charlotte, NC

Apply

JOB DETAILS

SKILLS

Academic Affairs, Accounting, Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Business Administration, Cancer, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Contract Analysis, Contract Management, Contract Review, Corrective Action, Detail Oriented, Disability Insurance, Documentation, Employee Assistance Plan, External Audit, Federal Compliance Regulations, Federal Grants, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Compliance, Financial Systems, Government Funding, Grant Administration/Management, Grant Audit, Grant Financials, Grant Writing, Health Insurance, Health Plan, Higher Education, Human Resources, Internal Audit, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Legal, Legal Documents, Life Insurance, Maintain Compliance, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, NSF Audio Formats, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Negotiation Skills, Nonprofit, Organizational Skills, Payroll Tax, Policy Development, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Public Administration, Reconciliation, Regulations, Research Administration, Risk Management, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Substance Abuse, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Training, Time Management, Time Tracking, Training/Teaching, Tuition Fees, United States Department of Energy (DOE), University/School Policies, Writing Skills

LOCATION

Charlotte, NC

POSTED

Today

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Charlotte
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Job Number: 202500055
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Government Sponsored Programs and Research
Opening Date: 06/01/2026
Closing Date: 7/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

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-contributing 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-including 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 3-5 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.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Health Insurance Plans
The University offers two PPO Plans, one being a High Deductible Health Plan that are administrated by Healthgram and utilizes the Great West Health (GWH)-Cigna PPO network. A Wellness Premium discount is available to those that participate. A full vision benefit is included. Health insurance coverage becomes effective on the 61st day of employment.

Dental Insurance
The University offers dental coverage through Delta Dental of North Carolina. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Life Insurance
The University provides a group term life insurance policy through The Standard with a value of one times the annual salary. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Long-term Disability Insurance
The University provides each full-time employee with group long-term disability insurance through The Standard. This coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following 60 days of continuous employment.

Supplemental Policies
Supplemental life insurance and short-term disability, accident and cancer policies are available through Colonial and Aflac. Premiums for these individual policies may be paid through payroll deduction.

Retirement

To assist faculty and staff in planning for their retirement, Johnson C. Smith University provides a 403 (b) retirement plan utilizing TIAA that allows for supplemental and matching contributions. Enrollment in this plan is not automatic. Employees may elect a percentage towards supplemental contributions immediately. Eligible employees are required to make contributions in order to receive the University's matching contributions after one (1) year of service. The one-year waiting period may be waived if the employee participated in a TIAA retirement plan at a prior eligible institution (documentation required). A six-month waiver may also be available if the employee's most recent prior employer was a 403(b)-eligible organization (verification required). The University will match contributions on a dollar for dollar basis up to a maximum of 5% for eligible employees.

Sick Leave
Faculty and non-academic personnel accrue one paid day of sick leave for each month of employment the calendar year. Accrued but unused sick leave may be accumulated and carried over from year to year, up to a maximum of 60 days. Sick leave may be taken for the employee's personal illness, medical appointments or the illness of a parent, child or spouse.

Vacation Leave
Non-academic personnel earn one paid day of vacation leave for each month of employment during the calendar year. Administrative Officers and Non-academic personnel may accrue a maximum of 20 vacation leave days.

Bereavement Leave
Non-academic personnel will be granted up to three days of bereavement leave for the death of an immediate family member.

Other Leaves of Absence & Holidays
Other leaves of absence including sabbaticals, leave for military and jury duty, educational and Family/Medical Leave are available for eligible employees. The University is closed in observance of 13 holidays.

Tuition Remission
Full-time employees who have completed six months of continuous service are eligible to enroll in a maximum of three semester hours at Johnson C. Smith University and will receive a discount of one-half of the tuition cost. If an employee qualifies for tuition remission, the dependent children of that employee may also receive the tuition discount for up to 18 credit hours. Through the Council of Independent Colleges Consortium employees and their dependents may also be eligible for a full tuition waiver at one of over one hundred participating consortium schools.

HealthPlex and Wellness Programs
The grant-funded facility is available to all employees during the hours of operation and a coordinator is on duty to train employees to properly operate the equipment and get the most out of their workout routine. The University also sponsors a variety of Wellness programs throughout the year for faculty, staff and students.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees and their immediate family members who are troubled by marital, financial, and emotional and substance abuse and other problems. Services provided through the EAP are strictly confidential and free of charge. University EAP services are provided through Atrium Health and The Standard.

Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance

Johnson C. Smith University

Charlotte, NC

About the Company

Johnson C. Smith University

Similar Job Searches