ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration (Post Award)

This position is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and experienced research administration professional to lead a team of integrated post-award research administrators at the heart of a dynamic research university.

About the Role

The ORA Senior Manager, Research Administration engages in research study conduct, site selection and qualification activities, as well as site management, and balances resources, budgets, and priorities across multiple studies to further the University’s research goals and objectives. The role works closely with all Research Administration areas to assure compliance with sponsored requirements, oversees and aids in the development of institutional reports, provides metrics and qualitative analysis of data, and coordinates strategic improvement of the department. The Senior Manager advises and interprets research-funding awards and serves as the subject matter expert for sponsor policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversees sponsored compliance to ensure terms and conditions are respected and adhered to.
• Recruits, trains, and mentors department staff to develop talent and improve performance.
• Implements approved operational plans consistent with strategic business objectives.
• Monitors all elements of post-award activity including award set-up, budget, expense review, effort reporting, reconciliations, closeout, audit, compliance, and ensures timely payments for research activities and funding for new projects.
• Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures; ensures employees are trained on controls and policies.
• Monitors team performance relative to accuracy, timeliness, customer service, and other related metrics.
• Serves as the liaison between faculty, academic departments, research centers, campus administrative units, and a wide variety of federal, state, local, and private funding agencies; ensures compliance with university, federal, state, and other agency regulations, policies, procedures, forms, and guidelines for the conduct of research.
• Assists with developing and implementing internal operating procedures and monitors grant budget and expense activities, including reporting, proper documentation, billings/receivables, collection of cash, award closeouts, and financial reporting to sponsors.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of post-award activity, including fiscal administration of all contracts and grants awarded by federal, state, and other sponsors.
• Manages the award management area, including budgeting, award monitoring, financial reporting, and award closeouts pertaining to sponsored projects.
• Monitors internal reports, assesses risk, and directs resources to resolve issues.
• Manages compliance of awards based on federal, state, and other sponsor guidelines; oversees all award administrative issues.
• Coordinates work activities and provides direction as needed.
• Assists, monitors, and develops post-award metrics.
• Ensures high-quality and efficient service to the research community and provides assistance in planning and implementing innovative customer service initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory grant and contract requirements and collaborates with administrators to ensure all post-award activities are processed appropriately.
• Utilizes monitoring reports to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
• Assists with directing team leads and managers in resolving conflicts between Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members quickly and satisfactorily.
• Aids in negotiation between funding agencies and faculty on post-award issues and concerns.
• Maintains knowledge of current federal issues relating to grants and audits of state, local government, and non-profit organizations; interprets OMB Uniform Guidance for other agreements.
• Assists in the completion of all aspects of the annual audit report on federal awards.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required. Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Certification and Licensing: Successful completion of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA), or Certified Research Administrator (CRA) status or equivalent designation preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of Sponsored Programs Administration or related field. University Research Administration experience preferred.
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
• Ability to establish department goals and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations related to Research Administration, including the Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and major Federal funding agency guidelines.
• Ability to recruit, train, and lead a staff to new and changing Sponsored Programs initiatives and create an environment that promotes staff involvement and continuing education.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of analytical ability and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Department Specific Functions

The ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration oversees the Award Management area of the Office of Research Administration (ORA). Assists the Director in overseeing post-award activities of all contracts and grants awarded by federal, state, and other sponsors. Engages in research study conduct, site selection and qualification activities, as well as site management, and balances resources, budgets, and priorities across multiple studies to further the University’s research goals and objectives.