University of Michigan - Research Administrator Senior
To apply please go to the University of Michigan's CAREERS job board for job posting 217771.
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
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.
LSA offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Every LSA program is among the best in the U.S. with more than 40 programs in the top 10 and 5 programs are the best in their fields. Our alumni network is over 200,000 living LSA graduates and 90% of our seniors go on to enter the workforce or attend graduate school. Learn more about LSA at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/.
As part of the largest college at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs more than 90 employees who provide financial and research administration support to over 100 units. We are seeking a senior research administrator to provide advanced portfolio management and budgeting support to faculty and administrators at all stages of the grant process, from pre-award preparation and submission of research and grant proposals to post-award grant administration. LSA Finance is a collaborative community that provides various opportunities for professional growth. A peer mentor is assigned to all incoming senior research administrators to assist with their onboarding to LSA Finance. The senior research administrator is a key member of the LSA Finance Business Offices. As a senior research administrator you will serve as the financial liaison between faculty and staff, while monitoring grant submissions and informing management of the financial and administrative effects associated with successful awards, and acting as a mentor to other LSA business office team members. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills to partner with colleagues at all levels and within multiple University offices.
Flexible Work Arrangements
As part of the University of Michigan's Future Work Initiative and LSA Finance's Flexible Work Arrangements, this position may work on campus or hybrid (both remote and on campus).
Responsibilities*
This position is responsible for coordinating and independently managing the administrative research process, by assisting with the creation of complex proposals, including locating relevant materials, formatting and editing, providing assistance with the preparation of multi-year budgets, preparing and assisting with budget justifications, coordinating with internal and external entities as appropriate, and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process.
Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include independently projecting and updating encumbrances, faculty portfolio analysis, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. May compile complex financial information pertaining to such matters as journal entries, vouchers, and standard transactions such as expenditures for materials, equipment, support staff and travel. Resolve mid-size compliance-related issues and work with management on larger issues, act as a resource for other staff. Advise faculty on best practices for post-award management, including assistance with rebudgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.
Assist and possibly take lead in developing and implementing administrative procedures for continuous improvement. Act as a mentor to other team members in the LSA business offices as needed. Assist group members in problem solving and decision-making processes. Help foster team cohesiveness and positive morale. Maintain appropriate communications with faculty, LSA administrators, ORSP and Sponsored Programs. Responsible for interpreting regulations and guidelines of internal and external funding.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience, typically with five years of relevant research administrative experience and/or higher level financial activities.
- Prior experience with research administration or relevant experience in a comparable environment with tight regulations and compliance requirements required.
- Works independently to interpret and apply guidelines and policies including Uniform Guidance, budgeting restrictions and sponsored research policies.
- Applies advanced knowledge of independently managing the pre-award or post-award process.
- Progressive knowledge of Excel and other Office products, comfort with changing technology.
- Demonstrates ability to work independently and as part of a team, ability to be a mentor to other team members.
- Collaborate effectively with co-workers and work with a diverse group of customers providing excellent customer service.
- Attends to detail, exhibits sound judgment, follows work through to completion, and meets high work standards.
- Demonstrates ability to work under pressure of deadlines, set priorities, and manage competing deadlines .
- Excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
Desired Qualifications*
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
- Knowledge of UM financial practices and processes strongly preferred.
- Prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF and NIH strongly preferred.
- Preferred experience with databases, query management tools and University systems, such as Business Objects, M-Reports, Concur, and other M-Pathways systems.
- Experience with eResearch electronic PAF and proposal submission.
- Prior experience contributing to the development of others through mentoring or training.
Additional Information
The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College's Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA.
To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.
To learn more about LSA's Strategic Vision, visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely. More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.
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Heather Kraus
Director of Research Administration
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
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