Post Award Coordinator- Office of Sponsored Programs

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) is the largest blood-focused research institute in the United States. With over 30 basic, translational, and clinical researchers, the institute is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing innovative therapies related to blood and blood disorders. The institute's research interests encompass a wide range of topics, including transfusion medicine, cellular therapy, thrombosis/hemostasis, immunology, and hematologic malignancies. As a vital part of Versiti, a non-profit organization with a blood bank at its core, the VBRI strives to improve lives through innovative research and the development of novel diagnostics and treatments.

VBRI is part of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Campus, a rapidly growing clinical-translational research hub. VBRI's proximity to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Childrens' Hospital of Wisconsin, and Froedtert Hospital facilitates seamless interdisciplinary collaborations. A range of exemplary core facilities support highly competitive research. In the summer of 2024, construction of a new research building will start, doubling existing VBRI research space to enable the recruitment of 10-15 new faculty. With its renowned researchers, strategic expansion plans and location in a highly collaborative environment, the VBRI is poised to maintain and expand its position as one of the leading hematology institutes in the world.

Under the direction of the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and with the partnership and guidance of the Sr. Post-Award Administrator, this role supports post-award activities for Versiti investigators. Key responsibilities include managing grant requirements, financial budgets, and compliance with regulations (including Uniform Guidance). The Post-Award Coordinator ensures a smooth transition from pre-award to post-award, tracking requirements and deliverables to maintain compliance. Additional responsibilities involve analyzing project expenditures, managing subrecipient agreements and contracts, coordinating project extensions, maintaining administrative systems, ensuring timely closeouts, and providing necessary reports. Collaboration with Research Finance and offering compliance guidance to investigators are also crucial.

Support investigators with award management and deadlines from award receipt through closeout.
• Initiate set-up and execution of contracts and subaward agreements, monitoring compliance.
• Maintain documentation of compliance requirements and special award terms. This includes tracking disclosure information within Versiti's defined systems.
• Manage requests for no-cost extensions, progress reports, budget changes, prior approvals, and grant close-outs.
• Create and review budget projections for spending trends and adherence to Versiti and sponsor requirements.
• Coordinate and assist with submission of key post-award reports (e.g., FFATA, RPPRs, etc.).
• Maintain a positive research environment, including participation in the continuous improvement of post-award processes and documentation.
• Participate in quarterly budget meetings with investigators, Finance, and OSP team members.
• Manage awards within departmental systems, and transition grants and contracts from pre- to post-award with all relevant parties.
• Manage awards within departmental systems.
• With input from OSP team, interpret sponsor and governmental rules and regulations.
• Participate in education events and one-on-one conversations to inform relevant parties of changes in sponsor policies and regulations, ensuring compliance.
• Stay updated on laws, regulations, and policies affecting research grant administration.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification
• Understands and performs in accordance with all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements
• Complies with all standard operating policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor's Degree required

Experience

• 1-3 years Grants and contracts and/or research administration required
• 1-3 years Experience in a research university or biomedical research institute preferred
• 4-6 years Grants and contracts and/or research administration in lieu of Bachelor's degree in lieu of required degree

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General understanding of grants and contract management including: regulations, policies and procedures associated with post-award management of research projects required
• Willingness and ability to learn, interpret, and apply VBRI policies and the fundamentals of sponsored research, including compliance with guidelines required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with people from a wide variety of educational and occupational backgrounds required
• Ability to demonstrate initiative and resourcefulness required
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple large-scale assignments and meet established deadlines required
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules required
• Ability to maintain confidentiality required

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) upon hire preferred

Tools and Technology

• Personal Computer (desktop, laptop, tablet) required
• General office equipment (computer, printer, fax, copy machine) required
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) required
• Grants-related software applications (e.g. Cayuse, Oracle, Velos, etc.) preferred

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