Internal Funding Coordinator/Administrator, Open Rank (Educational Program Coordinator Or Educational Program Administrator) #497534

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking an administrative professional with strong customer service and organizational skills plus excellent attention to detail to provide support and oversight for the OVPR’s portfolio of internal funding initiatives.

Reporting to the Manager of Research Development Services (RDS), the Internal Funding Coordinator/Administrator will be responsible for overseeing and implementing day-to-day operations of the OVPR’s competitive internal seed and commercialization funding programs, including marketing, responding to inquiries, organizing and managing the review process, maintaining program records, and tracking the outcomes of funded projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

For Appointment as Internal Funding Coordinator (Educational Program Coordinator) 

• Coordinate OVPR internal funding programs, perform administrative functions, coordinate workflow and processes, and keep accurate records.
• Plan and implement the marketing of internal funding competitions, including developing competition timelines, updating program guidelines and websites in advance of funding cycles, and communicating program information to the University community.
• Serve as point of contact for all program-related inquiries from faculty and staff, including screening correspondence, determining appropriate responses, and making referrals as appropriate. Interpret program policies and procedures and clearly/diplomatically communicate policy decisions.
• As needed, identify problems related to internal funding programs and follow up to ensure appropriate resolution. Refer most unusual or difficult problems to the supervisor.
• Maintain workflows for each funding program using application and review management software (SurveyMonkey Apply), ensuring that internal funding proposals can be submitted and routed through review stages, financial set-up, and post-award reporting.
• Organize faculty review groups, ensuring that proposals are evaluated by reviewers with appropriate expertise.
• Prepare competition review data for evaluation and funding decisions by OVPR leadership. 
• Communicate with applicants regarding the status and results of competitions.
• Oversee the preparation and distribution of award letters and reviewer feedback documents.
• Collaborate with OVPR Research Finance to ensure that award accounts are set up and closed out appropriately.
• Create and maintain records related to program activities, awards, and award accounts.
• Collect information on program activities, including following up with awardees to gather information about the return on investment.
• Review operating procedures and policies for efficiency and effectiveness; make minor changes or recommend major changes or improvements; participate in planning and decisions regarding new or changed policies and procedures.
• May be responsible for coordinating related administrative functions; perform related duties as required.

Additional/Advanced duties for appointment as Internal Funding Administrator (Educational Program Administrator)

• Manage all aspects of OVPR internal funding programs, ensuring that all program goals and timelines are met and policies and procedures are followed.
• Develop guidelines and workflows for new internal funding programs or substantially revise guidelines and workflows for existing programs, as directed.
• Analyze program data and create metrics to measure program activities and effectiveness.
• Serve as a representative for OVPR internal funding programs to faculty, school/college/department administrators, and other OVPR units. Serve as a liaison between internal funding programs and other University units.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

For Appointment as Internal Funding Coordinator (Educational Program Coordinator) 

1. Bachelor's degree and three to four years of experience with administrative or program coordination work.
2. Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
3. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, etc.
4. Self-starter with superior organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, multi-task, and follow through.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and regularly exercise judgment regarding a wide variety of administrative and programmatic matters.

Additional Minimum Qualification for Appointment as Internal Funding Administrator (Educational Program Administrator) 

1. 5 years of experience with program coordination. At least one year of experience must be as an advanced team member with primary responsibility for day-to-day program operations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

For Both Levels

1. Administrative/program support experience in a higher education setting. 
2. Prior experience with seed funding or research development initiatives, including an understanding of best practices.
3. Experience with workflow management and related software tools.
4. Strong technical skills/demonstrated ability to use a wide range of software, including the ability to troubleshoot issues. 
5. Strong customer service mindset; demonstrated ability to prioritize the needs of program participants within the constraints of established procedures and program guidelines.
6. Experience creating metrics/measuring program effectiveness.
7. Familiarity with federal grant programs and solicitations.

APPOINTMENT TERMS 

This is a 35-hour per week, full-time, 12-month permanent position with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition waivers at the University of Connecticut (outlined here: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-summaries/). The hiring range for Educational Program Coordinator is approx. $54K-$65K. The hiring range for Educational Program Administrator is approx. $65K-$79K. Hybrid work modalities may be considered in accordance with authorization and the University's Alternate Work Arrangements policies and procedures. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA). 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497534 to upload a cover letter that should address the applicant’s interest in the position and how their professional experience and training prepares them for it, resume and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications that do not include all these elements will not be considered.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on May 31, 2023.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.