Complex Research Administrator (IS-0301-13) - Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Description

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
• Complete a Probationary Period if applicable. 
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 
• Telework is allowed according to the SAO telework policy and supervisor approval; SAO policy is currently 3 days/week on-site.

OVERVIEW

MAJOR DUTIES

• Engages in the pre-award research of grants/contracts opportunities, such as reviewing solicitations and analyzing necessary components.
• Organizes complex proposals on behalf of principal investigators.  Complex proposals commonly include, but are not limited to, multi-principal Investigators and/or multi-unit proposals and are for large dollar amounts (e.g., over $1 M). 
• Manages proposals with cost-sharing, sub-recipient costs, fixed-priced contracts, and Center or Program grants.
• Manages development and submission of applications.

• Provides overall human resources management to direct reports,, including interviewing and hiring new team members; determining training needs and arranging for training as appropriate by planning and assigning work, setting priorities, establishing deadlines, providing follow-up, supervising day-to-day awards activities, developing performance standards; reviewing performance (probationary and annual); recommending performance awards; recommending and taking necessary disciplinary action; giving advice, counsel, and instruction to team members; and approving leave.
• Oversees preparation and dissemination of guidance material to all key SAO personnel to inform, clarify, and explain significant regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and associated changes.
• Responsible for coordinating with appropriate SAO and SI departments on enhancements to and operation of the systems and processes within their domain.
• Maintain communications with all Division Administrators, Program Managers, and Department Managers within SAO regarding their satisfaction with Sponsored Programs and Procurement services.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Thorough working knowledge of the following:
• Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR] and Agency Supplements;
• Applicable Parts of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR];
• Title 2 Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements;
• Uniform Guidance
• Federally Funded Grants Policy and Procedures; and
• Non-Profit and Private Foundations processes.
• Knowledge of pre-award negotiation techniques and the ability to meet and deal with representatives of the various sponsors sufficient to serve as the lead negotiator with scientists, project managers, and project administrators in developing SAO’s pre-negotiation strategy in conducting pre-award negotiations with the sponsors as well as performing post-award negotiations involving award changes and modifications.
• Ability to manage and coordinate a variety of activities simultaneously involving several simultaneous interrelated awards with different sponsors.
• Strong interpersonal skills, service orientation, ability to multi-task effectively in a varied, high-volume environment, excellent judgment, decision-making and reasoning, ability to develop original ideas to solve problems, and effective verbal and written communication skills. 
• The ability to act independently and exercise sound judgment, with the acumen and sensitivity to identify those decisions and activities that require confidentiality and/or higher-level consultation and/or group collaboration.
• Working knowledge of contracts, grants transactions, applicable financial systems, and related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements, including Federal Acquisition Regulation [FAR], NASA FAR Supplement [NFS], NASA Handbooks and Guidebooks, applicable Parts of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], applicable Office of Management and Budget [OMB] Guidance, and all other applicable regulations and policies. 
• The skills and ability to read, comprehend, and execute the regulations of novel or unique agencies or programs.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, SI, and SAO policies.