• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $70,000 -$85,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Academic Administration and Finance, the Grants Manager monitors grant activities within INCITE related to its portfolio of grants and contracts, using knowledge of grant and contract management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills. The Grants Manager provides comprehensive support to INCITE’s principal Investigators, DAAF, and government and private funding agency policies, resolving financial problems, preventing overdrafts, managing reconciliation of accounts, reviewing financial reports, and funding.

INCITE is an interdisciplinary institute at Columbia University. We produce knowledge for public action. We do so by joining with people and organizations within and outside the university to rethink our understanding of what knowledge is, how it’s created, and how it can be used.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Academic Administration, Finance, and INCITE Director on prospective projects, ensuring alignment with Columbia University's internal review processes.
• Support the strategic financial planning of INCITE by working closely with the DAAF and directors to align grant activities with the institute's broader financial objectives.
• Assist in long-term financial planning, including multi-year budget projections and identifying potential financial risks or opportunities related to grant funding.
• Collaborate with directors to develop high-level budgeting strategies for new and existing grants, providing financial analysis and projections as needed. Provide input on potential funding opportunities, contribute to the identification of new sources of support, and assist in the preparation of competitive grant proposals.
• Serve as a liaison between INCITE and Columbia's Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and Sponsored Projects Finance (SPF) to facilitate the timely review and submission of grant proposals.
• Oversee the preparation of all required pre-award documents, including budgets, compliance forms, and internal approval documentation.
• Monitor and review financial transactions related to the institute's grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with funding agency regulations and university policies.
• Address any financial reporting requirements from SPA/SPF, working closely with DAAF to manage fiscal tracking and ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Generate monthly financial reports on grant-funded projects, proactively addressing any questions or concerns from PIs and stakeholders.
• Coordinate the opening and closing of grant accounts, ensuring all financial activities are accurately recorded and reconciled according to funding guidelines.
• Maintain oversight of project budgets, tracking all expenditures and allocations to ensure they are within approved limits and preventing potential overdrafts.
• Manage the full lifecycle of grants and contracts, from proposal submission to project close-out, ensuring all deliverables, reporting, and financial reconciliation are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Develop and implement systems for tracking grant milestones, deadlines, and reporting requirements, ensuring proactive management of all grant activities.
• Ensure adherence to government and private funding agency policies, identifying and addressing potential compliance issues throughout the life cycle of grants and contracts.
• Monitor updates to funding regulations and university policies, advising directors and PIs on any necessary adjustments to project management or financial reporting.
• Stay informed on best practices in grant and contract management, fostering a culture of compliance and efficiency within INCITE.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and two years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or similar enterprise HRIS.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain high confidentiality and professionalism with a client focus.
• Strong multi-tasking, prioritization, and organization skills.
• Attention to detail, research, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter, a fast learner who can work independently under limited supervision.
• Work well in an interactive team environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.