RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION COORDINATOR / ASSOCIATE

Position Summary

As a member of the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) team, this position aids CMU faculty and staff by providing pre- and post-award support for internally and externally funded research and programmatic projects. This position is responsible for providing assistance to CMU applicants on an as-needed basis to develop and review individual sponsored project proposals, develop and manage grant/contract budgets, as well as provide general administrative support to CMU faculty and staff with awarded contracts/grants. This position may focus on certain aspects of the research administration field such as contracts, partner agreements, clinical research, etc.

Required Qualifications

Research Administration Coordinator: Bachelors degree. Experience with budget analysis. Experience with grantsmanship/research administration. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive, professional, interpersonal relationships with those internal to CMU and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to communicate (written and verbal) clearly and knowledgeably with individuals and groups and maintain confidentiality, where appropriate. Ability to plan, establish priorities, and handle multiple tasks and projects. Ability to successfully manage and use email, web navigation tools, word processing systems, presentation software, database software and spreadsheet programs. Demonstrated organizational skills and strong attention to detail. Ability to assist in the implementation of changes/solutions, and complete projects as assigned. Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Research Administration Associate: All required qualifications of a Research Administration Coordinator, plus: Three years of relevant professional experience. Experience with budget development, analysis, and modifications. Experience as a Research Administrator, developing and submitting competitive, compliant proposals to external entities. Advanced computer skills and an increasing familiarity with applicable programs, sponsor portals, and CMU systems. Ability to assist others in prioritizing activities and planning effectively. Ability to lead the implementation of changes/solutions and manage/lead projects as assigned. Demonstrates ability to navigate cost share requirements, external partners, and completion of common sponsor budget forms. Ability to professionally manage conflict, opportunity, and feedback. Demonstrated ability to effectively set priorities across multiple projects and set expectations with stakeholders to achieve mutual deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in a relevant field. Previous work experience managing grants and contracts for an institute of higher education. Certification in Research Administration (CRA, CPRA, CFRA). Experience interpreting funding opportunity guidelines and award restrictions. SAP Grant Management experience. Previous customer service experience. Experience in higher education and working with faculty and academic department.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research Administration Coordinator: Provides expertise, analysis, and assistance to CMU applicants on an as-needed basis to develop and review individual sponsored project proposals, develops and manages grant/contract budgets, as well as provides general administrative support to CMU faculty and staff with awarded contracts/grants, under direct supervision. Provides support for externally funded projects, ensuring proposals and awards are in compliance with external and internal policies, regulations, and applicable laws. Develops and maintains accurate budgets in alignment with applicable guidelines and regulations. Assembles and submits external proposals and/or award modification requests via appropriate sponsor portal interfaces. Maintains complex databases and manages tracking systems to support sponsored projects compliance with internal and external policies, regulations, and procedures. Reviews university grant/contract personnel, independent contracts, and large purchase expenditures against award budgets and sponsor restrictions. Guides CMU faculty and staff, as well as collaborates with departments university wide, to navigate administrative items within the university system to ensure efficient processing of expenditures related to personnel, independent contractors, purchase requisitions, etc. Documents and develops processes and guidelines for training purposes and continuity of services. Leads the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) Project Director meetings which inform faculty and staff about requirements and processes impacting the management of newly funded awards, when necessary. Assists with the OSP policy and procedure review and development process. Performs other duties as assigned.

Research Administration Associate: Performs all duties and responsibilities of the Post Award Coordinator under limited supervision, plus: Assists CMU faculty and staff in developing their sponsored project agenda by identifying external funding strategies supportive of short- and long-term goals. Performs analyses to assist in the management of externally funded grants and contracts, including providing advice on financial management of personnel effort commitments and other purchases. Supports OSP in outreach and professional development opportunities. Advises stakeholders on university processes and information impacting grant/contract management. Manages, reviews, and/or develops external collaborators proposal and award documents. Provides advice on areas of expertise to CMU leadership, as necessary. Serves as a liaison between CMU and external sponsors to best support sponsored project initiatives and maintain positive relationships with outside agencies. Reviews newly awarded externally funded grants and contracts, developing necessary documents, and providing a summary of each award to the Assistant Director of Post-Award Sponsored Projects.

Supervision Exercised

None.

Employee Group

Professional & Administrative -Salary

Staff Pay Level

(Not specified)

Pay Range

$55,000 - $73,000 (based on level)

Division

Academic Affairs

Department

Sponsored Programs

Position Status

Regular

Position End Date

(Not specified)

Employment Status

Full-Time

FTE

1.0

Position Type

12 month

Weekly Work Schedule

Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / weekends and evenings as needed

Location

1200 S Franklin St, Mt Pleasant, Michigan, 48859