Business Manager: Financial Operations & Post-Award Grant Management - OVPR

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, global research university that stands among the world’s most renowned education institutions. With ground-breaking brain science, path-breaking performances, creative start-ups, big data, big ambitions, hands-on learning, and a whole lot of robots, CMU doesn’t imagine the future, we invent it. If you’re passionate about joining a community that challenges the curious to deliver work that matters, your journey starts here!

The Office of the Vice President of Research (OVPR) oversees the university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of CMU’s research enterprise and associated top-ranked technology transfer and startup activities, which span the university’s seven academic colleges and its more than 100 research institutes and centers. OVPR leadership and staff work across the university to develop strategic external partnerships; build interdisciplinary teams; and connect researchers with the tools, expertise and resources they need to advance ambitious work from funding and development to innovation and impact. We would love for you to join our team!

We are seeking a detail-oriented, analytical Business Manager to support both the day-to-day financial operations of the organization and the management of post-award grant activities. This role will bridge financial planning, transaction processing, and compliance with grant requirements, ensuring accurate reporting, efficient budget management, and adherence to all regulatory and sponsor obligations.

This position reports to the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Budget and offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to CMU’s research enterprise and institutional excellence.

• Create and initiate processes to process financial transactions in an accurate and timely manner.
• Analyze financial data and trends to provide insights on performance, profitability, and cost management.
• Prepare regular financial reports, dashboards, and presentations for senior management, highlighting KPIs and variances.
• Track and monitor financial performance against budgets, identifying and addressing variances.
• Actively participate in finance team meetings providing feedback and ideation.

• Manage grant-related expenses, ensuring proper documentation and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain accurate grant accounting records and reconcile grant balances.
• Prepare and submit required grant reports, compliance documents, and financial statements to funders and internal auditors.
• Monitor grant funds for compliance with award terms, regulations, and donor requirements.
• Coordinate with program managers to align financial reporting with project milestones.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (finance, operations, compliance, program management) to ensure alignment on financial and grant-related goals.
• Identify process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in both operational and grant management areas.

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in financial analysis and/or grant management.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, SAP, Oracle).
• Strong understanding of grant compliance and federal/state regulations (e.g., 2 CFR, OMB Circulars).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.

• Experience with nonprofit, government, or research grant funding.
• Knowledge of internal controls, audit processes, and compliance frameworks.
• Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.

• Successful background check

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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