Assistant Director, Contracts

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.  Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting path breaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. It includes three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, and a school of continuing education.

Columbia University, Finance Division seeks an Assistant Director for Contracts to be responsible for overseeing the financial administration of a diverse portfolio of private and public contracts, ensuring that they are administered in a fiscally responsible manner, complying with all applicable rules and regulations established by both the sponsor agency and the University.

Manages a team that ensures invoicing (contract reimbursement statements) and other reports are processed accurately and in a timely manner; ensures that all contracts are closed-out appropriately and in compliance with both sponsor agencies and the University's rules and regulations.

Assists the Restricted Funds contracts team to respond effectively to requests for assistance from schools and departments managing contracts. Assists the Restricted Funds contracts team to prepare efficiently and respond effectively to both internal and external audits. Assists the Executive Director in identifying gaps in the workflow process and the University's restricted funds management process, as well as with the development of related policies and procedures; assists in the development of procedures, i.e. data flow processes, to monitor contract administration to ensure compliance with both sponsor agency requirements and University policies. Along with the Executive Director, ensures that the Restricted Funds contracts team works collaboratively, efficiently and effectively with colleagues in the grants team, the rest of the Controller's Office, Research Administration, and University schools, departments and the Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC). Ensures that all contract files are up-to-date, complete, well-organized and audit worth; other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Requirement:

Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of four years' related experience required, including specific experience with grants and/or contracts administration.  Experience in a higher education environment preferred.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) required, along with a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries and analyses and present findings and recommendations.  Demonstrated planning and project management skills required, as well as a demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data and evaluate information.  Must be detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem solving skills, and have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  Must be a self-starter and capable of operating with minimal supervision.  Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of University administrators, characterized by strong consensus building and relationship building skills, essential.  Must be able to negotiate issues and resolve problems.  In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of management, both internally and externally, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization, and a strong role model, manager and coach.  Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

To be considered an applicant, all interested parties MUST apply through the Columbia University online employment application system. Paste the following quick link into your browser to access this position posting:

 

jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=110100  

 

Columbia University is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer.