Senior Research Administrator

Overview

Colorado State University’s (CSU) office of Sponsored Programs invites nominations and applications for the position of Senior Research Administrator. The Senior Research Administrator (SRA) reports to the Associate Director of Sponsored Programs. Sponsored Programs is the primary coordinating office for externally funded activities of a contractual nature at CSU. Sponsored Programs oversees the full-range of research administration from proposal review and submission to final invoicing and project close-out. Senior Research Administrators serve as advocates for faculty in fostering outstanding research and scholarly activities and assure the responsible management of sponsored funds through regulatory and fiscal compliance oversight. Starting date for this position is as soon as possible. Colorado State University is a land-grant Carnegie Class Doctoral/Research-Extensive University experiencing aggressive growth in areas including faculty recruitment, student enrollment, and research expenditures. Research productivity per tenure/tenure-track faculty member is among the highest in the country within like universities. CSU’s annual research expenditures totaled close to $340 million in FY2012. Significant investments are being made in the areas of applied research and technology transfer and include close collaboration with CSU Ventures, Inc., a related 501© (3) technology transfer and business partnering corporation. Among its many areas for national recognition, CSU has a world class College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences College (CVMBS), housing a top-ranked Professional Veterinary Medicine Program, the NIH/NIAID Rocky Mountain Regional Center for Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Center, The Flint Animal Cancer Center, the Center for Environmental Health, and a number of diverse Programs of Research & Scholarly Excellence. CSU faculty are engaged in a wide range of basic and translational research projects funded through federal agencies such as the NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA and DoD, as well as robust funding from private foundations and private sector/industry partners. Our researchers are engaged in intellectual property development and entrepreneurial activities to bring new solutions to global problems, often working with international collaborators. CSU is a member of the Kuali Foundation, using Kuali Financial System (KFS) and currently implementing Kuali Coeus (KC) for integrated research administration. CSU is a member and active in the Federal Demonstration Partnership (FDP) and the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR). Responsibilities: • The SRA serves as the authorized institutional representative of the University in the approval of proposals submitted on behalf of the University and has primary responsibility for the review and negotiation of all grants and contracts including material transfer agreements and nondisclosure agreements. • The SRA is the supervisor responsible for prioritizing, managing, coordinating, and evaluating a team generally consisting of a Research Administrator, an Accounting Tech III and an Admin Assistant II in their responsibilities to assist their assigned College(s) in the acquisition (applying and obtaining), negotiation and post-award administration of all research related grants and contracts. • The SRA is responsible for ensuring compliance with University, State, Federal and Sponsor requirements, and the interpretation and application of government/sponsor guidelines and policies. SRAs assure compliance with complex requirements of funding sources, as well as Federal and State regulations and assist in the development of policies and procedures related to the conduct of sponsored activities at the University. • The SRA provides guidance and training programs to Principal Investigators and the campus community. SRAs interact with external sponsors, Principal Investigators, University Administrators, College Business Officers and other campus representatives in the course of carrying out their duties. • Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of research administration experience directly related to the research administration of sponsored programs at a major research university. Four years of additional experience as described above may be substituted for a Bachelor’s degree. • Experience working in a quasi-legal environment including knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations (OMB Circulars A-21, A-110, A-133, and the FAR) and their application to contract review & negotiation, budget review, and compliance, • Knowledge of various funding source requirements (such as NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOD), • Experience working with private sector sponsors, • Experience supervising, developing and evaluating staff, • Skills in written communications; interpersonal & problem-solving skills, • Strong working knowledge of common office computer applications (such as Microsoft Office applications) and ability to learn specialized applications (such as Kuali Coeus). Preferred Qualifications • Direct knowledge and demonstrated experience with electronic management systems. • Ability to conduct training sessions and develop training materials This is a full-time, 12-month, administrative professional position. Salary: Competitive and commensurate with background and experience. Application Procedure: Nominations and applications will be considered until the position is filled; however, for full consideration, complete applications must be received by close of business Monday, September 29, 2014. Complete applications must include a letter of application addressing qualifications and interest in the position; resume; and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted until the applicant is notified. Please note: Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Please provide nominations and applications electronically to: Claudia Babcock, Senior Research Administrator Search, Colorado State University at Claudia.Babcock@colostate.edu. For questions, please contact Claudia Babcock. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services. Colorado State University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final candidates being considered for employment. Background checks may include, but are not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history.