Work With NCI

NCInnovation, Inc. (“NCI”) is a Research Triangle Park, NC-based 501(c)(3) created to accelerate the commercialization and scale of innovative research from North Carolina universities. Backed by more than $25 million in corporate commitments, NCI is building the partnerships, organizational, and grant management capabilities to leverage a $500 million State-funded endowment to support regional innovation networks and provide applied research funding and commercialization support services to position North Carolina as first-in-the-country in innovation.

NCI seeks an experienced professional to lead management of NCI’s grants and finance operations.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate must be well organized, detail oriented, data and results driven, flexible, and enjoy the challenges of working in a dynamic organization; must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion; and have the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient. This position will be self-motivated and demonstrate the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. Requires a proven ability to develop and leverage partnerships and relationships; expert written and verbal communication skills; strong decision making; and a proactive attention to detail. Position may require some travel to universities, partners and stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

Manager of Grants and Finance Operations will: 

• Help establish and maintain a robust administrative system to support the effective implementation of funded projects, including managing and maintaining NCI’s grant management platform
• Provide regular monitoring and maintenance of the grants management platform and systems and the grant application process, ensuring compliance with grant reporting requirements, overseeing grantee budget and expenses, preparing reports and staying up to date on grant industry trends and best practices.
• Responsible for initiating, reviewing and analyzing performance reports from grantees, evaluating whether the project is achieving its objectives and utilizing funds efficiently and communicating findings to leadership.
• Manage the funding agreement and payment distribution process post award ensuring compliance is met with grantees milestones, budgets and key deliverables prior to distribution of funds.
• Responsible for grant applications and documentation storage and creating an environment where those documents can be easily accessed and utilized by members of the team.
• Responsible for executing the organization’s compliance standards in accordance with governing regulations and protocols.
• Track progress toward organizational and programmatic outcomes and goals and draft progress reports and targeted program updates as requested by leadership
• Provide training and technical assistance to the NCI team in the administration of grants and agreements
• Manage the relationship with the grants management platform service provider to ensure data security, regulation and compliance, best practices and platform optimization
• Assist in establishing and assessing KPIs for NCI to measure the impact and success of the grants program
• Review and analyze performance reports from grantee and assemble and organize all necessary supporting materials and documents within the grant management software platform
• Ensure proper closeout procedures are in place at the time a grant period ends, including final reporting, conducting audits, financial reconciliation and providing any required documentation to NCI and the recipient university/grantee
• Participate in working groups on grant management issues and/or projects as requested by leadership
• Make informed recommendations to help refine and implement NCI’s strategic plan, to include long-range goals, short-term objectives, and related plans and policies
• Work closely with and support NCI’s internal team to ensure interconnectivity and effectiveness across NCI’s initiatives and programs
• Assist in evaluating the impact of strategies, programs, and initiatives while seeking continual programmatic improvements and effectiveness

Additional Finance Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist Controller with accounts and vendor payable, employee expense reporting, and other accounting duties as assigned.

Requirements:

The successful candidate must be well organized, detail oriented, data and results driven, flexible, and enjoy the challenges of working in a dynamic organization; must demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion; and have the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while remaining proactive, resourceful, and efficient. This position will be self-motivated and demonstrate the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. Requires a proven ability to develop and leverage partnerships and relationships; expert written and verbal communication skills; strong decision making; and a proactive attention to detail. Position may require some travel to universities, partners and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

NCI seeks qualified candidates who possess the following minimum qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in administration, grants and finance operations required
• Understanding of translational research, IP technology development, sponsored research, and innovation ecosystems preferred
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical reporting and conveying of complex information in a clear manner to a diverse audience
• Strong administrative skills and self-motivation with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision in an effective and efficient manner
• Familiarity and experience working within university and/or not-for-profit is a plus
• Ability to work under pressure and effectively respond to deadlines
• Experience and knowledge of working with universities is preferred
• Experience and knowledge of the Triangle innovation ecosystem partners is a plus
• Experience managing university, state, and/or federal grants with grantees and the funder is a plus
• Experience with a program that distributes funding to university researchers is a plus

Comp & Benefits:

NCI offers competitive compensation based on experience, to include a comprehensive benefit package with flexible paid time off; employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability; and a 401(k) plan

More Information:

For more information, or to apply for this position, email your cover letter and resume to humanresources@ncinnovation.org