Research Administrator Sr

Job Summary

This position requires experience to handle various timelines and responsibilities associated with a variety of sponsors in both pre- and post-award activities, with a particular knowledge of federal guidelines. The ability to independently manage the pre‑and post‑award processes while balancing multiple complex projects through effective time management and organization.

• Oversee the grant submission process, from initial start to final submission, including coordination and preparation of necessary documentation, budget development, application, and timelines for various components of proposals.
• Review sponsor guidelines and accurately interpret solicitation requirements for application with university policies.
• Advise faculty and investigators on all aspects of proposal development, including sponsor requirements, complex multi‑site budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation.
• Ensure proposal information is accurate and complete including all needed supporting documentation, and complies with sponsor terms, Medical School, University policies/procedures and federal regulations before routing through the eResearch Proposal Management (eRPM) system.

• Provide proactive, high-level financial oversight for a portfolio of grants and contracts, performing monthly reconciliations and forecasting financial viability over the long term. Monitor expenditures for allowability and compliance with university and sponsor rules, such as federal Uniform Guidance.
• Review and reconcile awards across cost share and sponsored research funds using MReports, Business Objects, and other tools; process journal entries and PAR transactions as needed. Prepare monthly reports with revenues, encumbrances, and projected balances, manage subcontracts, subprojects, and process post‑award changes and closeouts. Advise principal investigators (PIs) on financial strategy and potential issues.
• Manage standard reports and requests for financial information from the sponsor, sponsored programs, and subcontract sites, along with processing any sponsor carry forward/no cost extension requests.
• Review of invoices and timely billing.

• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years progressive grant and contract administration experience, preferably within the UM setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience managing both pre- and post-award processes with a strong, practical understanding of federal compliance guidelines.
• Demonstrated critical thinking, problem‑solving, and analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and comfortably balance a diverse portfolio of active awards with varying complexities and strict deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to cultivate trust, rapport, and collaborative partnerships with faculty, institutional administration, and external sponsors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial or regulatory details into clear concepts for diverse audiences.
• Highly collaborative team player who is equally comfortable taking independent initiative to move projects forward.

Proficiency with financial systems, including Microsoft Excel and U‑M systems like eResearch, M‑Pathways, and Business Objects.

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.