Inside Higher Ed · 1 week ago
Assistant Director of Contracts and Compliance
Charlotte, NC
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
3+ years expInside Higher Ed is committed to supporting the mission of the University by ensuring compliance in sponsored projects and contracts. The Assistant Director of Contract and Compliance will oversee the management of contracts and agreements, ensuring regulatory alignment and accountability for externally funded grants while providing training and support to faculty and staff.
Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting
Responsibilities
Act as the primary liaison for grant compliance, ensuring full alignment with federal, state, institutional, and sponsor-specific regulations—including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), EDGAR, and agency-specific requirements such as those from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), National Science Foundation (NSF), and National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Review, negotiate, and manage grant contracts, cooperative agreements, and subawards to ensure alignment with federal, state, and university policies
Assist in the development of institutional policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable rules, regulations and guidelines
Monitor and audit grant-funded programs for compliance, and coordinate timely resolution of discrepancies or disallowances with principal investigators and relevant departments
Informs principal investigators/project directors of any compliance issues regarding grantor agency regulations, and disallowances with their program. Assists in correcting discrepancies and monitors corrective actions
Works as part of a team with other grants office staff in performing grants office activities and assists the office with maintaining and analysis of awards to inform future decisions/plans to ensure effectiveness and compliance
Support internal and external audit processes by preparing documentation, responding to inquiries, and implementing corrective actions as needed
Manage the full lifecycle of time and effort reporting for federal grants, including preparation, distribution, collection, and reconciliation of certification forms
Collaborate with Payroll, Human Resources, and the Business Office to ensure accurate reporting and documentation of compensation charged to grant accounts
Provide technical guidance, training, and post-award support to faculty and staff on grant-related financial and programmatic matters
Review all contracts and agreements for compliance
Assist in post-award processes, including award setup, account verification, reporting, and closeout procedures
Disseminate information and updates to principal investigators and institutional leadership regarding the financial and compliance status of awards
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned in support of institutional goals and sponsored program success
Provide training and outreach to university personnel on contract terms, allowable costs, Time and Effort certification, and audit readiness
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Accounting, or a related field
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in grant or contract administration, with a focus on compliance in a higher education or nonprofit environment
Knowledge of Time and Effort Reporting certification requirements under Uniform Guidance
Strong understanding of federal and state regulations related to sponsored programs
Demonstrated ability to interpret complex contracts and legal documents
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Commitment to advancing equity, excellence, and accountability
Preferred
Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., Certified Research Administrator [CRA], Certified Professional Contracts Manager [CPCM], or equivalent)
Familiarity with electronic research administration tools and grant management systems (e.g., Cayuse)
Knowledge of Title III and other U.S. Department of Education discretionary grants
Comprehensive understanding of federal compliance requirements, including OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200)
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex regulations to diverse audiences
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace
Experience with grant management software systems and institutional financial systems preferred
Professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute proactively to team goals
Company
Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed is the online source for news, opinion, and jobs related to higher education.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
unknown2022-01-10Acquired
2006-08-31Series Unknown
Leadership Team
Stephanie Shweiki
Director, Foundation Partnerships
Recent News
Research & Development World
2025-05-03
Business Standard India
2025-04-11
Company data provided by crunchbase