Supervisor, Award Infrastructure

Supervisor, Award Infrastructure

The University of Utah is one of the nation's premier R1 research institutions, generating over $700 million annually in research activity that drives innovation, discovery, and economic growth. As Utah's flagship university, the institution is deeply committed to advancing knowledge, fostering discovery, and serving as an engine of economic and societal impact for the state and beyond. Within this environment, the Office of Research Management & Compliance (RMC) plays a critical role in ensuring research is supported with strong financial stewardship, integrity, and accountability. RMC is undergoing a period of exciting transformation expanding staff capacity, implementing new service models, modernizing business processes, and streamlining technology solutions.

The Supervisor, Award Infrastructure will oversee accounting activities related to the setup, modifications, and closeouts of grants and contracts within Research Management Compliance / Grants and Contracts Accounting. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal, state, and private funding regulations, while providing leadership to a team responsible for managing grant and contract operations. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of accounting principles, grant management, and contract compliance, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting throughout the life cycle of grants and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Grants and Contracts Setup; oversee and perform the setup of new grants and contracts, ensuring all funding sources, award terms, and reporting requirements are accurately reflected in PeopleSoft. Collaborate with Principal Investigators, project managers, research administrators, and the internal team to understand grant / contract specifications and ensure budget, billing schedule, and reporting structures are properly established. Ensure proper allocation of direct and indirect costs according to sponsor guidelines and organizational policies.
• Modifications and Amendments; review and process award modifications and amendments to existing grants and contracts, ensure compliance with funding agency and University regulations and that the changes are reflected correctly in PeopleSoft.
• Closeouts; manage the closeout process for grants and contracts, ensuring that all financial data is complete, accurate, and compliant. Review final expenditures and ensure that costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable according to funding and institutional guidelines.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration; work closely with internal and external partners to ensure seamless coordination of grant and contract financial and closeout activities. Continuous Improvement; identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to streamlining operations to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness of grants and contract processes.
• Team Leadership and Supervision; supervise and mentor team members responsible for grants and contracts setup, modifications, and closeout activities. Provide training, guidance, and development opportunities to team to enhance skill and promote a high-performing team. Assign and prioritize work tasks to ensure deadlines are met and high standards of accuracy and compliance are maintained.

Key Skills Include

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example : bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience). Senior Supervisor, Accounting Support Management : Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education for historically underrepresented students. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

The University of Utah is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director / Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action : Director / Title IX Coordinator Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO / AA) 383 University Street, Level 1 OEO Suite Salt Lake City, UT 84112 801-581-8365 oeo@utah.edu Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu