Reporting to the Deputy Controller, the Senior Manager of Research Policy & Indirect Cost oversees the following research financial activities for the RF: indirect cost models, rate proposal and negotiation; cost reporting; space monitoring; Uniform Guidance compliance; audit support; subrecipient monitoring; service centers; and effort reporting. The Senior Manager is a key member of the CFO’s leadership team, and is responsible for strategically leading a team of three to support the needs of the RF and the Colleges of CUNY in the areas of research policy and indirect cost.
Indirect Cost
Responsible for the development and monitoring of indirect cost models; develops work plans for the periodic indirect cost proposal; executes the indirect cost proposal, including coordinating with the College/CUNY units and external consultants, where applicable; updates the CFO and Controller on work plan progress and continually seeks ways to improve the rate proposal process; responsible for developing other governmental recovery rates including fringe and other rates charged to sponsored projects; serves as key liaison and lead rate negotiator with relevant government agencies.
Space Monitoring
Oversees and maintains the RF’s space survey system for purposes of indirect cost rate development, provides training to College representatives who perform the space survey; reviews the adequacy of CUNY Planning’s space functionalization data (the basis for allocating building and equipment depreciation and overhead and maintenance costs to research). Coordinates the detail review of the space survey with School and Grants Officers.
Uniform Guidance & Audit Support
The Senior Manager is responsible for issuing and maintaining all indirect cost policies of the RF in accordance with the federal Uniform Guidance and preparing CUNY College DS-2s, where applicable. The Senior Manager will work closely with key business partners to support the needs of the CUNY Colleges in the areas of research policy and indirect cost as well as external partners including representatives from various governmental agencies.
Responsible for the preparation of the annual Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and related data collection form for the annual audit required under the Office of Management and Budget’s Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance); resolves issues arising from the audit; seeks out and leads process improvement initiatives related to the annual report filing; supports audits of sponsored programs, including data collection, research, formulation of responses, and development of any necessary corrective action plans.
Subrecipient Monitoring
Oversees the maintenance of the subrecipient financial database and review of all Subrecipient Certification and Financial Status Questionnaires and supporting documentation; responsible for performing risk assessments for new subrecipients.
Service Centers
Oversees the annual re-certification of service centers used to control allowable charges on services or products used principally within the University community; works with the appropriate department to review and approve requests for new service centers, ensures research activities that involve a service/recharge center are compliant with federal Uniform Guidance.
Effort Reporting
Oversees compliance with effort reporting requirements CUNY-wide, which includes updating policy and training materials, delivering training to Grants Officers across the Colleges of CUNY, overseeing upgrades to the internally developed effort reporting system, and monitoring approximately 4,000 effort report certifications as required by RF policy.
Sponsored Property & Equipment
Oversees the tracking and compliance of all equipment purchased via sponsored projects. Manage Property Coordinator who assists with the periodic review of physical inventories conducted at CUNY institutions required to verify the location and the tagging of equipment items recorded in the CUNY First property management system.