Academic and Research Business Manager

Overview

Job Location:
SLU Saint Louis, MO

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

The Academic and Research Business Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of department(s) funding and grant funding management for academic and research-intensive Collaborative Units.  This individual will be the leader of the department(s) regarding budgeting and approving funds flow and will provide direct support and leadership to the Chair of the department(s) comprising the Collaborative Unit.  This includes overseeing the grant lifecycle which includes developing and implementing research funding strategies, creating, and managing budgets, monitoring compliance, overseeing grant financial reporting, and fostering external sponsor relationships. They will act as the leader in delivering the vision of the Chair(s) and serve as the liaison to communicate decisions and funds flow management to the Academic and Research Director and SOM leadership.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Percentage of Time

25%

Manage all aspects of department(s) funds (initiation, budget, and strategy for use, including coordination directly with Chair and SSM business manager counterpart).  This includes frequent Chair interaction and central finance interactions to initiate, approve and provide reporting updates on funds, gifts, and planned commitments.

25%

Ensures proper fund management by effectively monitoring and communicating profit and loss statements.

25%

Trains and oversees the grant administrator role(s), in coordination with the SOM Research Office, and provides guidance on standardized University policies and procedures.  Performs reviews of the grant administrator work and understands the status of expenditures and invoicing recorded to awards.  Initiates budget adjustments on expense categories as needed.  Routinely monitors and reconciles spending levels, overdrafts, and cost sharing commitments.

10%

Serves as CU liaison on status of finance and research approvals (e.g. cost share, opening funds, etc.)   Interacts with various internal and external offices.  Monitors and coordinates reporting due dates and deliverables for complex projects (Multiple PIs, subcontracts, training grants, etc.).

10%

Maintains up to date knowledge of Uniform Guidance and regulatory requirements for federal and non-federal sponsored agreements and acts in a manner to solve issues and apply the University and Sponsor guidelines and regulations.  Routinely interacts with various internal administrative and professional staff as well as federal, and non-federal sponsors. Serves as liaison between all research support offices (other Collaborative Research Units (CRU), Finance, Payroll, Compliance, etc.)  Contributes information and ideas to areas of responsibility as part of a cross-functional team and ensures proper adherence to policies, standard processes, and controls. 

5%

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of accounting and finance budget management; including experience with Workday to run reports and analyze results
• Knowledge of grant lifecycle and award management
• Strong project management and organizational skills and capable of investigative accounting
• Ability to identify areas of improvement, solve for solutions and present options to Chairs and executive leaders
• Able to lead meetings and trainings and comfortable serving as primary point of contact for various stakeholders
• Knowledge of uniform guidance and regulatory requirements surrounding the use of external funds and application of this knowledge to propose recommendations on set-up and accounting compliance
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting terms and conditions related to sponsored programs agreements and use of
• Experience working alongside finance and research faculty and staff with  excellent customer service orientation
• Able to lead others via management and supervision of their areas of work
• Self-starter who thrives in a dynamic team environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree; supplemented with 5 years’ experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic or healthcare setting; or equivalent experience in a related research finance role. Requires prior managerial experience.

Vaccine Protocol: Saint Louis University will require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, staff, and faculty who are physically present on our St. Louis campuses. As a prospective and/or a new employee at Saint Louis University, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at Saint Louis University. If you are not vaccinated, you will be required to begin the vaccination process at the time of your first day of employment. Exemptions may be granted on the grounds of religious beliefs or medical circumstances. 

Equal opportunity/affirmative action Statement: Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847

Function

Business Directors/ Managers

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.