Research Financial Project Manager-1

Research Project Manager

Organization's Summary Statement : The University of Maryland is seeking a Research Project Manager to manage the full life cycle of contracts for a research project. Key responsibilities from proposal development to contract closeout include collaboration with Principal Investigators (PIs) to assist in proposal development for contract submissions. Process pre-authorization requests, ensuring smooth and efficient operations, and conduct meticulous reviews of transactions based on Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) to guarantee compliance. Research Project Managers are responsible for making sure all expenses are within the budget for a research project, reconciling accounts each month to verify the appropriateness of all charges, and ensuring an effective method of tracking project and funding balances. In addition, Research Project Managers ensure all project deliverables have been completed on time and the project award is closed out in accordance with the closeout instructions, including a reconciliation of the final balance, conducting a final review of documentation on file, and verifying that inventory has been accounted for and reports as required in accordance with sponsor and University policies and procedures. As a Research Project Manager, you will play a vital role in ensuring accurate reporting, adhering to federal and state regulations, and complying with University of Maryland policies. Successful candidates will be highly organized and detail-oriented professionals with a passion for managing contracts. The Research Project Managers have significant contact with sponsors, PIs and department leadership to review program activities and discuss tasks needed to accomplish program goals, while monitoring impacts on the overall budget. This position will work closely with members of the research administration team in the department, reporting directly to the Associate Director, Special Operations. Physical Demands : Sedentary work is performed in a normal office environment. Ability to travel locally, in state, and out of state to attend and / or set-up meetings, conferences, and other events. Spending long hours in front of a computer. Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach, lift / move (up to 20 pounds), point, talk, and hear. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Preferences :

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field
• Five (5) years of experience.
• Experience working in a higher education, DOD, or research environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal regulations governing contracts, including 2 CFR 200.
• Project management experience in academia, industry, and / or government required, including tracking and monitoring the project's status, budget, and deliverables.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development, forecasting, and monitoring.
• Ability to work well under pressure without sacrificing accuracy or customer service, handle a complex portfolio of work in an intensive, multi-tasking environment.
• Demonstrating proficiency in the use of software applications, databases, spreadsheets, and / or word processing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work well with and motivate colleagues of varying responsibilities in the organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective policies and procedures while analyzing situations and providing alternative solutions.
• Proven track record of successful grant management, including experience managing complex budgets and meeting reporting requirements.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple competing demands.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and federal regulations and policies governing research administration, including but not limited to, Uniform Guidance, and OMB Circulars.
• Dedication to providing excellent service to internal and external customers.
• Experience with Enterprise resource planning financial system, or other similar.
• Experience with a shadow accounting software Priority BA4, or other similar accounting software.
• Prior experience in a University setting working directly with faculty, researchers or individuals in other related fields.
• Exceptional attention to detail.