Manager of Research Administration

Overview

Manager of Research Administration 

Job Summary:

Under the Direction of the Associate Director of Research Administration, provides strategic leadership and advanced problem solving in support of unit's research programs and mission. Acts as a lead research administrator for a department & oversees the administration of grants & contracts portfolios, some of which are very complex involving multiple years, venues, collaborators, subcontractors, etc. & ensures fulfillment of all requirements & compliance with rules & regulations.  Partners with the Associate Director and faculty leaders to assist in developing strategic plans regarding new & existing funding opportunities, research initiatives, collaborations & projects that will increase & improve overall research & associated financial management & performance.  

Specific Responsibilities: 

Pre-Award

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

Post-Award

• Provides expertise regarding post-award research administration, which may include ensuring that proposed projects meet goals of dept. & that necessary resources are available; management and follow through on high-risk situations; coordinating or overseeing application completion and detailed review & submission; interpreting sponsor guidelines; creating procedures regarding day-to-day administrative & financial functions; & resolving issues with collaborators &/or other involved parties.
• Recommends procedures at the large unit level related to post-award administration.
• Manages grant &/or contract functions such as administration, finance, facilities, compliance, reporting, etc. ensuring timetables are created & maintained as appropriate.
• Uses metrics to monitor, report and adjust unit post-award performance.
• Recommends & facilitates procedural changes in grant &/or contract administration as necessary.
• Recommends policy to enhance research administration.

Financial

• Oversees & manages research portfolio fiscal activities, from research development to close-out activities, continually evaluating & recommending alternatives to minimize risk while maximizing goals.
• 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; recommend changes to eliminate deficit balances; overdrafts.
• May coordinate price negotiation, purchase, & ongoing maintenance support contracts of all major research equipment.
• May provide information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.

Human Resources

• Participates in hiring, evaluating, promoting, &/or counseling staff.
• Takes responsibility for training research and administrative staff regarding research administration in unit.
• May consult with faculty as grants are funded regarding job descriptions; selecting & hiring new staff; and as grants end regarding lay-offs, terminations, etc.

Compliance

• In collaboration with the Associate Director recommends, implements & oversees programs, policy & practice designed to ensure compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration & ensures resolution of all compliance problems & issues, including those involving research safety, animal subjects, human subjects and conflict of interest.

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.
• 7 years research administration experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Organization, time management, detail oriented
• Multi-tasking,
• Excellent interpersonal communication
• Self-starter, diplomatic, proactive, manage stress
• Managing people
• Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing
• Attention to Detail: Consistently displays accuracy and attention to detail
• Proven ability to lead a changing organization, including building a management team, developing initiatives, and implementing improvements to drive the underlying strategy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Strong conflict resolution, change management and negotiation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience managing grants from the National Institutes of Health, industry, and foundations.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.