Senior Research Administrator

Job Summary

Provides administrative leadership by incorporating a significant amount of experience in support of unit's research programs and mission. May provide sole support to a small to mid-sized unit, or support a portion of activities in a larger unit. Using extensive research administration experience within the same unit, coordinates all aspects of multiple grant &/or contract pre- & post-award activities. Assists in developing new funding opportunities & strategic plans regarding grants &/or contracts by providing guidance & counsel in regard to grant &/or contract administration.

Specific Responsibilities

• Complexity: Administers multiple research projects such as: Complex multi-PI or multi-unit proposals, grants &/or contracts; Research portfolio for a more complex small to mid-sized unit; NIH U-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs.; NIH P-approximately $500K+/yr. over multiple yrs.; NIH T-approximately $100-$200K+/yr. over multiple yrs.; DOD and industry awards; Center or program grants; Proposals with cost sharing; Fixed-price contracts; Non-funded negotiations such as NDAs, user agreements; Pre-Award
• Pre-Award: Coordinates proposal submission; Coordinates budget and justification preparation; Completes sponsor and university proposal forms; Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols; Sub-recipients, facilities, administrative costs, space, and co-investigator agreements; Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions.
• Post-Award: Coordinates post-award activities; Monitors execution of all financial transactions in research portfolio; Forecasts & provides information for reports on financial status of projects; Manages day-to-day financial functions; Verifies that protocols are linked to CUFS chart strings; Labor distribution assignments; Completes expenditure reviews; Reconciles monthly payroll entries; Verifies & processes cost share entries; Prepares & submits invoices to sponsors; Identifies program income issues; Proposes resolutions to overdrafts; Prepares interim & final financial reports; Facilitates account close out activities; Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration.
• Financial: Oversees unit's entire sponsored project portfolio; Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge; Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.
• Human Resources: Manages & integrates all departmental staff efforts for grant &/or contract administration; Provides research administration training; Develops staff; Mentors other administrative staff in research administration; Serves as the primary resource for research administration guidance.
• Compliance: Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; Local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration; Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice; Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty.
• Miscellaneous: Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience required with 2 years of research administration and 3 years of research, finance, administrative or other relevant experience.
• Knowledge of National Institutes of Health, and DOD policies and procedures.
• Experience with non-federal award administration (Pre-Award and Post-Award).
• Experienced with NU systems including NU Financials, COGNOS Reports, and CERES.
• CRA certified or Master’s in Research Administration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting faculty in an academic medical center.
• Experienced with NU systems including NU Financials, COGNOS Reports, and CERES.
• CRA certified or Master’s in Research Administration.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html.

Work-Life And Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.