Project Manager

Position Function:

This position directs the institute’s efforts to implement new and maintain existing academic, research and outreach partnerships between the institute, universities, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. This position manages and coordinates the business operations of the department/unit including maintaining and administering departmental budgets; staff policies and/or procedures; compliance and reporting; and other administrative procedures. Developing and managing grants and contracts is an integral part of this position.

Salary Grade:  15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges. 

 Department Profile:

Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads and manages pre-award and post-award finance and contract assistance for grants and contracts.
• Develops and manages contracts and reporting.
• Maintains department/unit budget and provides budgetary reports to senior management within the unit.
• Coordinates with other university departments to process financial and personnel transactions. Communicates with the Controller’s office, Procurement and Contracts office on all activities related to accounts receivable and accounts payable for assigned budget. Prepares interdepartmental transfers and budget transfers between budgetary units as required.
• Reconciles and balances financial records with the Controller’s office on a regular basis, audits financial records for accuracy, availability of funds and conformance to University and departmental policy and procedure.
• Communicates with staff concerning business matters and advises of proper procedures. Stays abreast of university financial and personnel policies and procedures. Coordinates and maintains personnel functions for assigned unit/department.
• Participates in the development and implementation of department/unit programs and projects consistent with organizational objectives, contractual arrangements, and/or funding availability.
• Assists with the development and management of annual operating budget(s).
• Develops and implements systems to maintain records on employees, equipment and compliance activities.
  Oversees planning and logistics for Institute events.
• May perform any other duties as assigned. May coordinate financial aspects of research proposals, contracts, and sub-contracts, including the development of budget, proposal preparation, and adherence to funding requirements; serves as a liaison with university administrators, state, federal, and private funding sources.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Education, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Communications, or related field. Three to five years experience in grants and contracts management. Experience with Administrative Banner and Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with federal and state grants administration requirements, human resources/personnel management processes, and state legislative budget processes. Adept in using Cayuse or similar grants software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  Knowledge of customer service principles, techniques, systems, and standards.
• Skill in budget management.
• Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of business management principles and practices.
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
• Skill using Administrative Banner system.
• Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures.
• Proven grant writing and management abilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage/coordinate multiple detailed tasks.
  Independent self-starter with strong work ethic.
• Familiarity with Mississippi State University administrative processes.
  Must be a logical thinker.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No unusual physical requirements. Requires limited lifting of files and records and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
• Frequent externally imposed deadlines set and revised beyond one’s control; interruptions influence priorities; difficult to anticipate nature or volume of work with certainty beyond a few days; meeting of deadlines and coordination of unrelated activities are key to position; involves conflict-resolution or similar interactions involving emotional issues or stress on a regular basis.
• Job frequently requires walking, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Submit 1) a letter of application highlighting qualifications, experience, and interests, 2) a resume, and 3) three professional references including names, contact information, and relationship.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

About Organization

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