Manager, Sponsored Data and Information Systems

This position serves as a critical operational bridge between the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), researchers, sponsors, and the systems that support sponsored projects across campus. The manager will oversee the accurate and efficient processing of sponsored awards, grants, and contracts, maintain data integrity across systems, support business process improvements, and ensure critical research administration data is captured accurately for institutional reporting, compliance, and decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic alignment with unit and campus-wide goals and objectives.
• Develop metrics and quality assurance monitoring to evaluate ongoing functional programs and controls, informing strategic direction and leadership for professional staff in sponsored programs.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with other central offices (e.g., Sponsored Projects Accounting and Compliance, Accountability and Compliance, Administration and Finance) and School Dean’s Offices.
• Provide front-line support for Kuali Build applications, serving as a key resource for troubleshooting, user assistance, and system support, including diagnosing and resolving technical and functional issues.
• Monitor and supervise assigned team members; assist in recruiting and interviewing new staff; provide compliance oversight and guidance.
• Work with the Associate Vice President or Executive Director to prepare annual evaluations (PDPs) for team members; review and approve time sheets for sponsored programs administration staff.
• Independently troubleshoot and assess risks for System-to-System applications and other sponsor system submissions; support SPA, UMB faculty, and staff in proposal creation, routing, and submission using Kuali Research.
• Support system configuration, testing, and maintenance activities; collaborate with internal teams and vendors to implement updates and improvements; develop documentation and training materials for Kuali Research, Kuali Build, and other systems.
• Review Audit Dashboards in Quantum Analytics to identify errors in Kuali data entry and work with SPA staff to correct errors; produce monthly reports for the Associate Vice President.
• Develop internal and external training for sponsored program administration teams and campus research administration personnel; identify learning gaps and create action plans to address them.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOP), informational handouts, and training materials on electronic Research Administration (eRA) systems for SPA and campus stakeholders.
• Maintain internal and external communications and processes via SPA’s website and Microsoft Teams site.
• Advise the campus community on new eRA systems and compliance with federal eRA initiatives; monitor federal eRA listservs, newsletters, and websites to stay current with agency updates and disseminate information.
• Respond to user role requests; participate in user access (entitlement) reviews.
• Supervise the Sponsored Programs Administration Award Administrator, overseeing award data entry into Kuali Research to ensure data integrity and accurate reporting.
• Serve as the primary liaison with funding agencies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or a discipline appropriate to the position.
• Five (5) years of directly related administrative experience in research administration or sponsored programs.
• Two (2) years of experience in training, work coordination, or direct supervision of others.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification preferred.
• Financial disclosure reporting required by the State of Maryland Ethics Committee.
• Knowledge of position requirements, applicable regulations, and laws.
• Skill in effective use of applicable technology and systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; work cooperatively with others; and demonstrate, understand, apply, and adhere to UMB’s core values of Respect and Integrity, Well-being and Sustainability, Equity and Justice, and Innovation and Discovery.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package prioritizing wellness, work/life balance, and professional development.
• Retirement program (pension or optional retirement plan/ORP) effective on date of hire.
• Generous paid leave package: over 4 weeks of vacation accrued annually, 16 paid holidays, 3 personal leave days, and unlimited accrual of sick time.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Professional learning and development programs.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents at any University System of Maryland school.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking options (if applicable per job).

Pay

$94,000 - $99,000 per year.