Manager, Research Administration

About the role

The Manager, Research Administration will lead a team of research administration professionals and oversee the full lifecycle of research grants and contracts—including pre‑award and post‑award activities—for four sections (Endocrinology, Nephrology, Infectious Diseases, and Immunology, Allergy, and Rheumatology) within the Department of Medicine. The role ensures financial performance, regulatory compliance, and operational support for research administration across these sections. Employees with CRA certification are eligible for certification pay.

Responsibilities

• Research Administration Operations: Oversee pre‑award and post‑award activities, ensure efficient management of sponsored projects throughout the award lifecycle, and maintain compliance with institutional, sponsor, federal, and state regulations.
• Financial Management and Grant Oversight: Monitor grant budgets, expenditures, and financial performance; review and approve financial reports and budget modifications; ensure proper allocation of research funds and effort reporting.
• Staff Leadership and Talent Development: Supervise research administration staff, provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities; conduct performance evaluations and manage workload distribution.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and regulatory standards; prepare for and support internal and external audits; identify and mitigate compliance and financial risks.
• Strategic Planning and Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency and service delivery; develop and implement standardized procedures and best practices; support departmental and organizational strategic goals.
• Faculty/Principal Investigator Support and Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a key resource for faculty, principal investigators, and department leadership; provide guidance on proposal development, award management, and sponsor regulations; foster collaborative relationships with central administrative offices and external sponsors.
• Reporting, Analytics, and Special Projects: Develop management reports and performance metrics; analyze operational and financial trends to support decision‑making; lead or participate in special projects and institutional initiatives.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council may substitute for the degree requirement).
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a team.
• Experience managing complex pre‑award and post‑award awards.
• Experience managing federal grants (NIH).
• Strong communication skills with the ability to multi‑task and manage multiple deadlines.

Work Authorization: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.