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Center Administrator II

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Position: Center Administrator II
Date: 04/97
Position Code: 2412
EEO Code: 227


Job Summary
Reporting to a Center Director, has direct responsibility for carrying out the administrative and technical management of the center, with significant input into the formulation of center policies and procedures generated by a demonstrated understanding of the center's function and role. Responsibilities typically include implementation of center and Institution policy, preparation and analysis of budgets (including long-range forecasts), administration of personnel policies and procedures, design and implementation of administrative systems, formulation of center administrative policy, acquisition and maintenance of equipment and supplies, and oversight of space allocation and maintenance and renovation within the center's physical environment. The position carries substantial managerial responsibility and requires a broad range of skills and the exercise of considerable judgment and initiative. Works in a department of more than 50 employees, guests and students.

Major Duties
  • Hires, trains, supervises and mentors center office staff, utilizing their abilities by delegating effectively. Provides staff with growth opportunities, professional training, and the tools required to work effectively.
  • Researches funding opportunities relevant to the interests of the Center/Principal Investigator. Maintains repository of same, including calendar of submission dates. Works with principal investigators to find the best possible match for their interests.
  • Provides administrative oversight of the center proposal process. Ensures that the various agency requirements are met and the appropriate supporting documentation and boilerplate are included. These tasks may be delegated to trained assistants. Together with the Center Director, is responsible for the approval and final review of proposals prior to submission.
  • Responsible for careful monitoring of grant and contract expenditures for all center projects. Works closely with the principal investigators to ensure compliance with specific agency requirements and policies. Monitors cost sharing requirements and provides periodic reports.
  • Serves as the contact for Program Officers and Managers at the funding agencies regarding administrative issues of grants and contracts for principal investigators in the center. Maintains close relationships with these funding agency officials to facilitate two way communication between the agencies and the Institution.
  • Responsible for final approval or delegation of approval for all purchase requisitions, travel authorizations and vouchers and payment requests submitted from the center. Responsible for initiating subcontract process. Authority or approval of all Time Reports submitted by the center with the exception of the Center Director.
  • Authors and defends center overhead and capital budget(s) by assessing needs for supporting center activities, space renovations and acquisition of major equipment items. Supervises these and all center discretionary accounts.
  • Responsible for coordinating center personnel activities, including hiring, promotions, evaluations and placement of non-scientific staff facing funding disruptions. Provides guidance for hiring all levels of staff. Provides guidance to the Center Director regarding recommended salaries for promotions and new hires.
  • Develops and maintains statistics on center personnel, publications and proposals.
  • Tracks funding for center personnel; forecasts sponsored research support; initiates requests for bridge support. Prepares reports and statistics for Institution planning.
  • Interprets and applies Institution policies and procedures; formulates and implements center procedures; works closely with other administrative managers.
  • Serves on Institution committees where administrative policies and issues are discussed and recommendations are made. Meets regularly with senior administrative staff and serves as the interface between the center and the  administrative structure of the Institution; represents the center's concerns and position on issues to administrative units and represents Administration's concerns to the center.
  • Together with the Center Director, assesses center space requirements and renovation needs; submits modification specifications. Assigns space to center staff and students.


Desired Education/Experience for Hiring
Bachelor's degree in business administration or an area related to the technical or administrative work of the center, with 3-5 years of directly related experience at the Institution or similar organization; or an Associate's degree with 5-8 years of directly related experience; or equivalent combination of education/experience. Must possess strong analytical ability and effective communication skills. Must be a good organizer and must be able to utilize the abilities of those whom they supervise by delegating effectively. In addition to general financial management and personnel supervisory experience, must also possess the specialized technical knowledge required to manage the administrative services of the particular center and have demonstrated knowledge of computer processing and modern computer administrative techniques. Technical or scientific knowledge and training in fields related to the work of the particular center are also desired.

Last updated: June 19, 2013
 


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