Manager of Research Administration

Job Summary Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. We offer more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). As part of the largest college at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs over 100 staff dedicated to providing financial, procurement, and research administration support across more than 100 units.

We seek an experienced professional to join our Business Office as the Manager of Research Administration. In this pivotal role, you will oversee and direct financial and research administration operations, including supporting pre- and post-award activities, managing financial transactions, and overseeing research reporting. Working closely with the Director of Research Administration, this position plays a key role in ensuring operational efficiency and providing high-level support to faculty and staff across the research enterprise.

The Manager of Research Administration will lead the business office team, which includes both new Research Administrators in training and experienced support leads who provide guidance and assistance across all five business office teams. This position oversees the Pool Training Program, which is responsible for training and developing new Research Administrators before they are placed within one of the five business offices to directly support faculty.

In addition to managing the program, this role provides ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to trainees to help ensure their long-term success and development within research administration. This position also serves as a co-lead in the hiring process for entry-level Research Administrators entering the pool, helping to identify, recruit, and onboard candidates who will be successful in supporting faculty and advancing the mission of the organization.

This role also includes managing a small faculty portfolio while leading efforts to strengthen and maintain a comprehensive training and development program for Research Administrators. Key responsibilities include enhancing team performance, directing staff, fostering collaboration across teams, and cultivating a positive, accountable, and growth-oriented work environment centered on continuous improvement and professional development.

• Oversee and manage pre- and post-award processes.
• Review research proposals for accuracy before submission.
• Facilitate proposal preparation meetings with faculty and administrators.
• Prepare and review budgets to ensure accuracy and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Prepare necessary paperwork (PAFs), obtain required signatures, and submit proposals.
• Effectively manage deadlines and competing priorities.

• Manage financial operations for faculty within the organization.
• Collaborate with Chief Administrators, programmatic staff and the LSA Finance support team.
• Review and approve expenditures and oversee financial commitments.
• Resolve billing discrepancies and conduct budget checks.
• Accurately allocate salaries and effort, including summer salaries.

• Support complex workloads across all LSA Finance business offices by providing transitional assistance and temporary backup for staff on vacation, medical, or parental leave, including faculty portfolio management for pre- and post-award activities.
• Adapt to new responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving and maintain open communication with all stakeholders.
• Participate in committees and work groups to help enhance and streamline processes across LSA Finance.