Title: Temporary Professional - Family Forest Research Center - Project Manager

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Environmental Conservation

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Part Time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid or Remote

Job Summary

This position provides grant and contract support for the Family Forest Research Center (www.familyforestresearchcenter.org). The Family Forest Research Center holds grants and contracts with the USDA Forest Service, various Divisions of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and on occasion private and non-profit organizations. The grant and contract support includes management, reporting, and tracking of all budgetary activities on sponsored grants including personnel. This position involves working closely with UMass and sponsor budget and grant offices to assure compliance and timeliness of budget and contract processing.

Essential Functions

POST AWARD GRANT AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

Prepare and submit financial status reports for FFRC as required by the grant or contract.

Manage subcontract budgets, invoices and payments, initiate purchase orders for subcontracts.

Extensive contact with sponsors, program managers, subcontractors, other universities and the Controller's Office.

FUND ADMINISTRATION:

Complete management of research accounts of various fund types.

Prepare budget projections based on fiscal, academic, and grant years.

Prepare financial status reports.

Apply spending rules for each fund type and inform FFRC of spending guidelines and policies.

Review budgets to ensure compliance with funding agency regulations and institutional requirements.

Ensure that all grant expenditures are reasonable, allocable, and allowable according to agency guidelines.

Work with FFRC staff to identify and resolve budget and compliance issues.

Verify and reconcile all account activity; resolve conflicts and problems associated with financial transactions.

Monitor and assist in the budgeting of the financial accounts within the department and direct oversight of department activities in various fund types, including grants, contracts, and research trust funds (RTFs).

Manage re-budgeting of funded grants with the Controller’s Office/research accountants.

Prepare Contract for Services including sole source justification as applicable.

Extensive contact with Office of Research and Engagement, Procurement, Controller’s Office, Human Resources, College of Natural Sciences, and other University departments.

Act as liaison with sponsors, program managers, sub-contractors, and industry.

PERSONNEL:

Apply University personnel policies and procedures, particularly as they apply
to grants and contracts.

Prepare personnel budgeting forecasts, applying changes to
salaries, fringe rates and indirect costs as appropriate.

Initiate and track appointments, reappointment and compensation for faculty, research fellows, graduate students and undergraduate student hires.

Use People Soft System to track personnel information, hire,
and fund employees.

Other Functions

Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equity, and inclusiveness.

Work in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree.

Knowledge of Excel and Word programs and general quantitative skills.

Knowledge of grant and contract administration policies and procedures.

Knowledge of and experience with all aspects of accounting procedures.

Ability to work effectively with both on-campus offices, such as Office of Research and Engagement, Procurement, Human Resources and the Controller's Office as well as off-campus organizations: federal and state agencies, collaborating institutions, vendors and industry sponsors.

Ability to track and manage multiple deadlines.

Ability to write, coordinate and compile reports, correspondence, etc. using correct policies and procedures.

High degree of organizational skills and knowledge of office administration; ability to prioritize and balance work tasks in a demanding environment.

Ability to work with minimal supervision, and to exercise independent judgment.

Ability to take initiative in carrying out assignments and in understanding and applying Departmental, College, University, Commonwealth and/or funding agency policy and procedures.

Ability to learn and use new software and hardware in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with University of Massachusetts research administration systems.

Knowledge and understanding of university data processing systems, including PeopleSoft Financials, Summit, Concur and HR.

At least 3 years of grant accounting experience or equivalent.

Additional Details

Flexible (minimum 5 hours per week, maximum 10-12 hours per week).

Remote optional.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s for the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday as needed. Minimum 5 hours per week, maximum 10 - 12 hours per week.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week.

This position has the opportunity for a remote work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where the employee’s work location is to work from a site other than the UMass Amherst campus.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: No Pay Grade

Associated Pay Grade: 

Hourly Rate: $30-$40/hour (commensurate with experience)

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.