Senior Research Administrator

Overview

The Sr. Research Administrator will be responsible for providing independent guidance and oversight to research faculty and staff in regard to pre and post-award administration, grant and contract policies and procedures, and compliance and regulatory issues. Anticipates and evaluates the needs of principal investigators in pre and post award functions and daily processes. Mentors department staff in the interpretation of institutional and funding agency policies and guidelines, as well as administrative functions. Develops solutions and recommendations to administrative situations, thereby ensuring effective, compliant, and efficient daily management of all administrative and financial functions.

The Sr. Research Administrator will support and participate in the development and maintenance of organization policies and procedures as they relate to grants and contracts, as well as analyze, organize and direct office operations and procedures such as record keeping, preparation of payroll, information management, filing systems, requisition of supplies and customer service.

The Sr. Research Administrator will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Sr. Research Administrator will demonstrate Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, & Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.                                                

Principal Responsibilities

1. Manage grant and contract pre-award activities including, completion of funding agency proposal documents, creation of detailed budgets to ensure the feasibility of programs to be funded, working closely with the principal investigator to gather and maintain all additional materials to be submitted in the proposal packet.
2. Manage the day-to-day award, contract and subcontract financial oversight and management, budgeting, tracking of monthly grant and contract expenditures, cost control and analysis, forecasting, and compliance monitoring
3. Ensure high quality, efficient service to the research community, and provides assistance in the planning and implementation of innovative customer service initiatives.
4. Ensure compliance with regulatory grant and contract requirements and assists administrators to ensure all post-award activities are processed appropriately. Utilize monitoring reports to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
5. Assist in the negotiation between funding agency and faculty on post-award issues and concerns.
6. Assist in monitoring team performance relative to accuracy, timeliness, customer service and other related metrics.
7. Maintain invoice, financial reporting and subcontract schedules as necessary. Monitor and amend subcontract and consulting agreements as required.
8. Compile and compose grant reports and presentations as appropriate, including annual progress report financials.
9. Generate, track, and monitor effort certifications in accordance with federal and institutional guidelines.
10. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of invoicing and collection of subcontract payments.
11. Participate in the development, implementation and revision of grant program policies, procedures and regulations. Provide training and guidance in grant administration, finances, and compliance when required
12. Assist with external audits pertaining to the pre & post award activities.
13. Mentor other research administrators and provide guidance, especially in areas of research administration expertise.
14. Review program expenses to ensure agency and institutional compliance during life of award and prior to cost center close-out and inactivation.
15. Analyze the flow of administrative and other assigned non-clinical work for the department and provide insight into efficiency improvements.
16. Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, including managing special projects as issues arise.

Reporting Relationships

1. Reports directly to Manager, Grant Administration 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

1. Bachelor’s Degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
2. Minimum 5 years of research administration experience at a hospital or university, using skills as a seasoned professional with post award accounting and financial reporting, and internal audits of grants and contracts, ensuring compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements.
3. Experience in mentoring staff.
4. Extensive knowledge and understanding of federal, state, and institutional regulations and requirements regarding grant and contract administration.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations related to Research Administration, including the Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and major Federal funding agency guidelines.
6. Ability to apply basic accounting principles, such as balance sheets, debits and credits.
7. Able to work on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data or situations requires evaluation of identifiable factors.
8. Able to demonstrate good judgement in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions for difficult assignments and of diverse scope
9. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills necessary to interact on a daily basis with internal and external customers and ability to direct staff. Ability to read, analyze and interpret data in order to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of internal and external customers. Ability to write reports and general business correspondence.
10. Analytical ability needed to prepare complex financial, budget and other reports, and other pertinent documents and department records and attention to detail.Advanced organizational skills necessary to efficiently prioritize and complete a variety of tasks and provide leadership.
11. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications 

Working Conditions

1. Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

SRAlab is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.