Program Development & Project Manager

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Administrator 3 (RA3) to support our faculty Principal Investigators (PIs) in securing external research funding. This role focuses on grant writing, research development, project management, and pre-award administration, playing a critical role in advancing the department’s research enterprise. The ideal candidate will have experience preparing clinical research and clinical trial proposals.

About the Role

This individual will serve as a resource expert, managing the preparation of complex research proposals, including grants, contracts, program projects, and cooperative agreements involving multiple PIs, multiple subaward sites, and varied cross-school initiatives. The role also offers opportunities to mentor staff and lead process improvement projects. This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three (3) days of onsite work per week; onsite requirements may adjust based on organizational timelines and operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; resolve issues relating to proposal preparation and submittal process.
• Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification; obtain cost-sharing commitment and support.
• Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries; advise of new regulations.
• Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers.
• Review and approve expenditures, advise on post-award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
• Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create forecasting models, scenarios, and decision aides.
• Manage contract closeout process and audit inquiries; submit final reports and certificates.
• Interpret complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
• Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross-campus projects.
• Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise. Oversee and review work of other staff. May supervise, train, and mentor other staff.
• Serve as a resource on subject area to principal investigator staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g., FAR, Uniform Guidance, CAS).
• Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
• Strong knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
• Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.
• Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctorals, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Completion of Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II is required to remain in this position.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in biomedical science or related field.
• Experience with developing, editing, reviewing, and applying for grants and sponsored research.
• Complex proposal preparation experience in an academic environment.
• Experience managing multiple projects and timelines in a dynamic research setting.
• Experience preparing clinical research and clinical trial proposals.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification.
• Certified Accountant or Auditor, MBA, project management certification, or similar credential desired.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, and perform desk-based computer tasks; lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
• Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand, and sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.

Work Standards

• Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures.