Background

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. To fulfill this mission, the Society funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, facilitates professional education, collaborates with MS organizations around the world, and provides programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. We partner with volunteers to accomplish our work. Staff members engage volunteers through effective and timely communications, facilitating meaningful opportunities, and continually seeking and providing feedback for reciprocal growth and learning.

Job Summary

The Director, Scientific Review and Management, is a key member of the research programs team that is responsible for ensuring the integrity and governance of the Society's scientific grant making business processes. This position requires the ability to understand and execute established standards, apply policies and procedures, create and implement workflow processes, and conduct quality control audits. This position has oversight over the administration of the Society's research and clinical grant and fellowship programs and the web-based grants administration database. Familiarity with scientific grants content and analysis preferred.

Responsibilities

Management of Grants Program and Processes

Working with research and operations staff, the incumbant will be responsible for all of the business processes associated with application preparation and submission, award notification and monitoring of Society research funding programs. This role manages and organizes the work flow of Society scientific/clinical programs.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the Society's grant making administration function
• Coordinate grant making process to optimize workflow among scientific program leads and operations staff
• Develop and oversee adherence to grants management protocols and data quality control
• Lead projects to optimize existing systems and processes, to facilitate grant cycles going forward
• Direct funding program announcements and new funding program launches
• Monitor customer support provided to applicants, ensuring the application process meets Society standards and all data is appropriately entered into the grant management system
• Oversee and support post-review activities including budget preparation for approved grants and fellowships, award notice preparation, monitor awardee compliance and other processes prior to award start-up
• Provide guidance and support to funded investigators and institutional staff as needed
• Oversee the annual and final research progress and financial reporting process for Society funded scientific programs
• Coordinate with scientific staff on reviewing and approving administrative changes to existing grants, contracts, and fellowships including unfunded extensions, transfers, rebudgeting, and the transition of fellowship awards to faculty status
• Supervise preparation and dissemination of communications regarding grant terms, milestones, and payment schedules for funded grants to appropriate staff (Finance, Research Information, etc.)
• Liaise with the operations staff and Finance department to ensure efficient and accurate transfer of information required for grant payments
• Stay abreast of new developments in grant management best practices and technologies and their applicability to the needs of the Society

Management of Grant Submission and Administration Database

Collaborate with the technology department to ensure that we are fully leveraging and effectively managing and improving the web-based grant application and administration.

Key responsibilities include:

• Manage web-based grant preparation and submission process
• Maintain and update existing application interfaces
• Liase with system vendor for day to day troubleshooting and longer term improvement of system functionality
• Develop new application interfaces as needed
• Develop guidelines and data protocols for staff to ensure quality control
• Provide training on use of the system to staff and volunteers
• Create and update documentation on use of the administrative database as needed
• Assure the integrity and quality of research programs data
• Oversee entry of financial and milestone information for funded programs
• Supervise the organization and scheduling of database-generated communications to funded investigators and relevant university staff

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Bachelor of Arts or Science 
• An additional 4 years, beyond the minimum stated, of grant administration experience, with increasing levels of responsibility 

Minimum Experience:

• 5 years' experience with grant administration, preferably in biomedical research
• Ability to write, interpret and implement policies and procedures
• High level communication skills as this role will interface with internal and external parties with strong scientific education and expertises
• Ability to define workflows and monitor outcomes; ability to influence needed process improvement in a timely and well-communicated manner
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and support multiple grant making functions simultaneously while exhibiting excellent time-management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Exceptional customer service, problem-solving, detail orientation, analytical and conceptual skills
• Proven ability to evaluate, improve, manage and maintain systems and processes, including grants and/or contracts management software and processes. Passionate about continuous improvement.

Requirements/Other

Technical/Other:

• Proficiency with computer software, particularly relational database use, spreadsheet and analytical software
• Familiarity and experience with Fluxx grants management system preferred
• Understanding of the administrative and operational aspects of biomedical research required
• Familiarity and experience with budgets and forecasting in order to comprehend full-cycle grants processes
• Commitment to the mission, vision, cultural values, and expectations of the National MS Society
• (IF APPLICABLE) This position will be required to drive/travel on Society business. Candidate must possess a valid driver's license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation. The Society does run motor vehicle checks for all positions which require driving and the applicant must meet the Society guidelines.
• (IF APPLICABLE) Availability to work occasional nights and weekends to support events, committee meetings, etc

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a highly competitive, comprehensive benefit package to employees. These benefits include a considerable Paid Time Off Plan; Paid Holidays; 401k Retirement Savings Plan with Society match; Educational Reimbursement Plan; Professional Development Assistance; Commuter Benefit Plan; Comprehensive Health & Welfare benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Flex Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Disability Coverage, Life Assistance Plan as well as additional voluntary benefit offerings.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and/or cover letter by applying directly to the job posting located on our company website:

https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?c=1109441&d=External&r=5000329614206#/ 

National MS Society

(http://www.nationalmssociety.org/)