Managing Director

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for four consecutive years.

The UW Chemical Engineering department (ChemE) has an outstanding opportunity for a MANAGING DIRECTOR responsible for the program administration and operations management of the Center for the Science of Synthesis Across Scales (CSSAS).

We are seeking applicants who are eager to learn and grow. We understand that everyone brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, and we value diversity in expertise. While proficiency in certain areas is certainly a plus, we recognize that candidates may have weaknesses in certain areas. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive training and development opportunities to help our team members succeed. If you're passionate about joining a supportive environment where your potential is nurtured and your growth is encouraged, we encourage you to apply and embark on a journey of continuous learning and advancement with us.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Managing Director (MD) is responsible for programmatic and administrative support of the Department of Energy (DOE) Center for the Science of Synthesis Across Scales Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) administered by ChemE. The MD is critical to ensuring program success and must be adept at communicating and coordinating effectively between multiple constituents, working with people at different levels of the organizations, and working with multiple organizations (universities and National Laboratories) in different locations. In addition to having the ability to make independent judgements about complex issues, the MD must have a diverse skillset, including the ability to: manage a complex, multi-million dollar budget, prepare budget and financial reports for internal and external use, monitor, project, and analyze expenditures, establish contracts and subcontracts, prepare complex and timely reports to the DOE, make purchases and process reimbursements, collect, organize, archive Center work products, publicize and disseminate Center activities through website/social media/press releases, plan and execute Center meetings and events, and provide administrative support to the Center Director, Deputy Director, and Executive Committee (XCOM). The MD must have a thorough understanding of grant administration, ensuring compliance with sponsor, UW, and department rules and regulations. This employee reports to the Center Director, François Baneyx.

Program Administration

• Manage program operations in pursuit of CSSAS’s mission.
• Communicate with partner institutions to collect, organize and archive scientific products.

Grant Administration

• Develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of the award terms/conditions and the regulations/guidelines of the sponsor.
• Prepare and submit reports to the sponsor and ensure compliance with proposal activities. Advise the Director on ChemE, UW, and sponsor policies and procedures to ensure compliance.

Event Planning and Execution

• Plan and execute Center meetings and events, activities, and related communications to build synergies and integration between key personnel and trainees across all CSSAS sites.
• Events range in size and complexity from small meetings (monthly XCOM and research progress meetings) to the CSSAS Annual Retreat, an in-person all-hands meeting for CSSAS personnel, Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and Governance Board members.

Communications, Website and Social Media

• Communicate and disseminate Center activities and achievements to various constituencies through website, social media, and press releases. 
• Develop, write, and post timely and relevant content.
• Interact with UW, PNNL and DOE press offices to publicize CSSAS successes.

Advisory Duties

• Advise the CSSAS Early Career Network Lead.
• Recruit for this position from within the CSSAS trainees, oversee and evaluate their job performance, and provide professional mentorship, as needed.

Professional Growth

• Professional development is very important to the culture of the department, and it is essential that employees demonstrate accountability for their own professional growth and competency by seeking opportunities and activities that improve skills to support the Center and department. 
• The MD will stay current on emerging technologies by attending workshops/trainings and developing relationships with peers.
• It is expected that new ideas will be incorporated into solutions and plans so the Center can benefit.

Minimum Requirements

• Masters Degree in public administration, business, finance, or other related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four to five years grant and contract and/or financial management experience.
• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements

• Strong project management and time management skills; ability to operate independently, prioritize, and accomplish complex initiatives within deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to adjust to changing priorities on very short notice as well as the ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Experience in event planning and execution, including bid solicitation, contract negotiations, and logistics management.
• Demonstrated organizational proficiency and project organization skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, adaptable work style, with the ability to learn quickly and to work with a variety of topics and people, with minimal guidance.
• Proven analytic abilities, using problem-solving skills to proactively research and resolve questions, discrepancies, and inconsistencies.
• Ability to independently make appropriate decisions based on relevant information and experience.
• Proven writing, communication and design skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain harmonious relationships in a team environment and with a diverse audience.
• Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate successfully with stakeholders at all levels throughout a complex, diverse organization.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• High proficiency in Excel, Word, Power Point, and Adobe Acrobat.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with content management system, Photoshop, website and publishing software (Contribute, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Drupal).
• Experience working with UW administrative systems, UW policies and procedures (particularly grants and contracts).

Conditions of Employment

This position may require working more than 40 hours per week and must be able to work a flexible schedule on occasion (with advance notice).

Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.