Associate Director 2 (Lyle School of Engineering)

Salary Range: Salary commensurate with experience & qualifications. Job Summary: The Associate Director is responsible for all business contracts which flow through the Lyle School of Engineering. In addition, this position is responsible for the management of grant and contract accounting procedures and processes within the Lyle School as well as working with faculty, and the Office of Research (ORS) to assist with submission of research proposals. This position will work closely with the Office of Grant & Contract Accounting (GCA) to ensure research expenditure submissions and project closeout processes are followed. Essential Functions: Assist faculty with tasks associated with research proposals and project management. Oversee and manage grant and contract tracking within the Lyle School. Help identify funding opportunities for faculty within the Lyle School based on RFP calls. Track metrics for research expenditures by department, with comparisons to benchmarks and prior periods. Support researchers in managing the financial aspect of their grants to ensure spending on a timely, effective, and allowable basis. Facilitate the closeout process at the end of the grant period to ensure grant funds are properly charged, prevent overspending, and reduce audit risk. Possess knowledge of external sponsor regulations, particularly in regards to federal grant requirements. Work proactively with Grant and Contract Accounting (GCA) and other administrative departments to resolve issues, which may arise. As needed, support GCA with collection of funds owed by sponsor. Develop training and provide strong customer service to Principal Investigators (PIs), ensuring they know how to read project financial reports and use the PI Grants Dashboard in PeopleSoft. Review and submit non-research business contracts on behalf of the Lyle School through the Contract Lead process using contract templates. Negotiate terms of contracts as applicable, working with SMU''s Senior Contract Administrator and/or the Office of Legal Affairs to ensure legal compliance. Special projects and other duties as assigned by Associate Dean of Operations.

Created: 2021-11-29