Manager, Research Administration

Department and Salary

Department: WCAS Administration

Salary/Grade: EXS/10

The Manager of Research Administration for the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Earth, Environmental, & Planetary Sciences oversees a team of research administrators that support the department's expansive research programs. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of research administration, excellent leadership skills, and a track record of developing and implementing efficient processes.

This position is 100% full time and offers a hybrid work schedule. Target hiring range for this position will be between $88,000 - $110,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

• Provides creative, strategic leadership in pre‑award administration of research grants & contracts, expertly balancing customer service and compliance needs.
• Establishes procedures at the large unit level related to pre‑award administration.
• Coordinates federal contract proposals, international proposals, and proposals with difficult/troublesome terms and large sponsored agreements with industry partners.
• Uses metrics to monitor report and adjust unit pre‑award performance.

• Provides expertise regarding post‑award research administration.
• Ensures that proposed projects meet goals of dept. and that necessary resources are available.
• Manages and follows through on high‑risk situations.
• Coordinates or oversees application completion and detailed review & submission.
• Interprets sponsor guidelines.
• Creates procedures regarding day‑to‑day administrative & financial functions.
• Resolves issues with collaborators & other involved parties.
• Establishes procedures at the large unit level related to post‑award administration.

• Uses metrics to monitor post‑award performance.
• Recommends & facilitates procedural changes in grant & contract administration.
• Recommends policy to enhance research administration.
• Creates, implements & oversees programs, policies and practices designed to ensure compliance with all appropriate NU policies and practices as well as local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant & contract administration.
• Ensures resolution of all compliance problems & issues, including those involving research safety, animal subjects, human subjects and conflict of interest.

• Ensures that budgets are created, proposed & administered in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Resolves complex issues such as determining appropriate & reasonable cost‑sharing percentages on complex grants involving multiple locations; effort reporting problems; under‑ or over‑spent grant budgets; recommends changes to eliminate deficit balances; overdrafts.
• Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.

• Hires, evaluates, promotes, & counsel staff.
• Oversees training for all staff regarding research administration in unit.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• 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.
• At least seven years research administration experience.

• Organization, time management, detail oriented
• Multi-tasking, communication
• Self-starter, diplomatic, pro‑active, manage stress
• Managing people

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