"Research Administrator Sr"

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that are relevant to this position. The target salary range for this position is $93,150-$110,000 based on experience.

The Administrative Core within the Institute for Social Research (ISR) provides administrative support to three centers (Center for Political Studies, Research Center for Group Dynamics and the Population Studies Center). ISR is seeking a Research Administrator Senior to engage a team in providing pre- & post-award support for the Administrative Core. In this role, you will support accomplished Research Faculty and their teams in managing the proposal preparation and post award requirements for their projects. The Research Administrator Senior will be part of a supportive, community-oriented team of experienced research administrators providing complex and full range life-cycle research administration services. You will report to the Research Administration Manager of the Administrative Core. We offer a hybrid work environment with 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

Post Award (65%):

Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include independently projecting and updating encumbrances, multi project financial management faculty portfolio analysis, staff effort planning across multiple projects, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability.

Efficiently and effectively approve and monitor expenditures on sponsored and non-sponsored projects, providing faculty/staff with recommendations for adhering to sponsor approved budget allocations. Ensure compliance/oversight by monitoring budgets and spending, and providing guidance and counsel for the stewardship of sponsored research funds. Advise faculty on best practices for post-award management, including assistance with budgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.

Proactive in monitoring the sponsored projects and anticipating post award changes such as re-budgeting requests, personnel (key and non-key) changes, no-cost time extensions, cost sharing changes, project scope changes, transfer of projects, early terminations, and renewal of subawards and subcontracts.

Responsible for interpreting regulations and guidelines of internal and external funding and maintaining communication between Faculty, ISR, SP, and ORSP.

Review and reconcile monthly activity using departmental processes, resolving issues independently, reporting areas of concern to project directors and administration.

Track and manage cost share commitments, requesting cost share transfers each fiscal year if necessary.

Initiate set up of subcontracts, set up internal sub PGs, review and approve concur expense reports, and tracking expenses for adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Assist the PI and their research team with annual reports as necessary such as RPPR’s, as well as work with Sponsored Programs on the preparation of annual and/or final FSR, UG Reports, and other financial reports as required in a timely manner.

Assist PI and staff in timecard completion and effort distribution each month, submit necessary effort changes, working with department Unit Administrator and HR staff.

Responsible for monitoring and initiating sponsor invoicing on milestone driven projects.

Prepare and/or submit requests for journal entries as needed.

Meet with faculty and research staff as necessary.

Pre-Award (25%):

Advise and assist faculty, fellows, and students with the submission of internal and external grant applications to federal, non-federal, and industry sponsors. Advise the Principal Investigator on the most effective way to submit a quality proposal and coordinate a timely submission process, ensuring appropriate approvals.

Responsible for coordinating and independently managing the administrative research process, by assisting with the creation of complex proposals, including locating relevant materials, formatting, and editing, aiding with the preparation of multi-year budgets, preparing and assisting with budget justifications, coordinating with internal and external entities as appropriate, and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process

Coordinate the submission process, by meeting with PI to review applications, assist with budget development and provide guidance on school and sponsor guidelines.

Complete UM and sponsor proposal forms as needed.

Aid with review and approval of reduced indirect cost proposals and cost sharing requests.

Ensure all proposals meet agency and University guidelines, published time tables, and deadlines by creating a timeline and sharing it with the PI and the research team.

Facilitate obtaining required PAF approvals including participants from other UM units and/or external partners.

Comply and advise regarding University and School research policies including: project budget development, accounting principles, sponsor regulations, sponsor selection, and contract terms and conditions.

Assist faculty with proposal required forms such as current and pending documents and biosketch / CV. Serve as a delegate in ScienceCV for assigned faculty to assist with their CV and OS documents.

Other (10%):

Resolve and respond to general inquiries from research faculty, staff, students, departments, and vendors.

Perform other duties and provide ad hoc reporting as requested.

Provide cross coverage and back-up support to colleagues as needed.

Represent office on institutional task forces related to research administration. Collaborate and network with peers to learn and share best practices for efficiency, effectiveness, reducing liability, etc.

Participate in training and volunteer opportunities to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience.

Represent the centers to other units, administrators, and outside agencies as expected within the responsibilities of the position.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor degree and a minimum of 3 years of progressive grant, contract, or an equivalent combination of related financial, billing, regulatory or business support experience. (Can be underfilled at an associate level with less than 3 years of experience.)
• Knowledge of University accounting principles and applications is necessary.
• Knowledge of University and sponsored research policies, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge or experience in working in ScienceCV, Research.gov, eRA Commons, Grants.gov
• Intermediate/advanced skills or experience with the use of Excel and Word.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to prioritize, complete tasks in a timely manner, and work under pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work professionally and effectively with various levels of staff, management, and faculty.
• Must possess problem solving skills and exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to identify issues, investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written skills necessary in order to communicate intricate job-related processes to internal and external customers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with university business tools such as Business Objects, MPathways, M- Reports, Concur, and procurement.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification.
• Experience preparing federal proposals, contracts, or foundation grants.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualification of the selected candidate.

Proposed Salary Range for the Senior position is $93,500-$110,192
Proposed Salary Range for the Intermediate position is $69,00-$85,000