Business Operations Analysis Management

About the role

The Operations Team supports the University of Utah Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) through award management, compliance oversight, and operational support for the research enterprise. This role is responsible for assigned award management and subaward processes, implementation of sponsor and regulatory requirements, compliance readiness efforts, and coordination with institutional and external partners. This role develops and maintains operating procedures, oversees operational reporting, provides training and guidance, monitors regulatory changes, and leads process improvement initiatives. The role serves as a subject matter expert for research administration systems and operational processes, supports system governance activities, and resolves complex operational and compliance issues.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations, this role supervises staff, supports professional development, and collaborates with campus stakeholders to enhance OSP service delivery, operational efficiency, and compliance effectiveness. This is a hybrid work opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Support the administration and continuous improvement of OSP research administration systems, business processes, user access, and system controls.
• Interpret sponsor, federal, and institutional requirements and work with OSP leadership and campus partners to translate those requirements into operational processes, procedures, system controls, training, and monitoring activities.
• Serve as a key operational partner, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, and campus departments to support sponsored project administration activities.
• Provide operational leadership across OSP teams in support of compliance requirements, process optimization, performance metrics, reporting, and strategic initiatives.
• Supervise the Contract Administrators team responsible for assigned award administration and subaward management activities, ensuring efficient operations, high-quality service, compliance, and achievement of departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Lead recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and retention efforts for team staff.
• Manage team workload distribution and resource allocation to ensure service delivery, appropriate leave coverage, and operational continuity.
• Establish performance expectations and support employee growth through coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, service-focused, and high-performing team environment through regular communication and ongoing feedback.
• Conduct performance evaluations and address employee performance issues in accordance with university policies and procedures.
• Monitor operational trends and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, consistency, compliance, and customer service.
• Assist leadership with data analysis, reporting, assessment of operational performance, and implementation of departmental initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in research administration within a university or academic setting.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying federal regulations related to grants and contracts, including Uniform Guidance.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex policies and apply them to real-world scenarios across the project lifecycle.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential (at time of hire or obtained within one year of hire).

Preferences

• Supervisory or people management experience – 2 years preferred.

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and stakeholder support.
• Proactive approach to process improvement and organizational change.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn institutional systems.

Benefits

The value of being an employee at the University of Utah goes far beyond your base salary. The total compensation package includes health care coverage, retirement plans, paid leave time, tuition reduction, and other valuable benefits and programs. The U's retirement benefits amount to a 14.2% contribution in addition to your annual salary. You may view the U's total compensation estimator at www.hr.utah.edu/comp/totalcomp.php. Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah at benefits.utah.edu.