Assoc. Director, Research Administration (Contracts)

University of Miami • Coral Gables, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Research Administration (ORA) is the University's institutional office responsible for reviewing, endorsing and submitting proposals to extramural sponsors for research, clinical trials, training, instructional and other sponsored activities. As a leader in the Office of Research Administration (ORA), the Associate Director, Research Administration (Industry Clinical Contracts), is integrally involved in, and supervises a team responsible for, the review and analysis of complex sponsored project agreements and provides research administration services to a portfolio of academic departments and research units, including acting as one of the institutional liaisons with external sponsors to support the University mission. This includes ensuring that sponsored project agreements are consistent with sponsors and University policies and guidelines, while providing outstanding customer service to faculty and support staff. Moreover, the Associate Director, Contracts participates in development of efficient work processes, policies and procedures and drafting of various support documents, templates and other tools to facilitate drafting, reviewing and processing of research agreements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in an academic setting.
• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Extensive knowledge of research administration, preferably in academic institution clinical research.
• Extensive knowledge of sponsored program regulations; specific areas of expertise in contracting, laws and regulations guiding clinical research.
• Ability to efficiently research complex information and use it for establishment and improvement of work processes, reporting and data analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Highly numerate with demonstrated excellence in analytic skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Works independently with minimal supervision and respects deadlines.
• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree in Business, or Public Administration is highly preferred.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Conducts, and leads a team responsible for, comprehensive analysis and negotiation of research agreements, evaluating terms and conditions of research grants and contracts involving awards from various sources specifically focused on corporate/industry funded Clinical Research and Clinical Trial Agreements (as well as potentially other sources including: government and foundation) and, engaging in negotiations to establish the financial, legal, and other contractual terms.
• Interacts with other ORA personnel, Principal Investigators and study teams, Compliance, IRB (Human Subject Research Office), Technology Transfer, Risk Management, and other relevant offices to ensure that research initiation is managed in an efficient and effective manner consistent with UM policies and procedures.
• Maintains advanced knowledge of applicable OMB circulars, NIH Policy Statement and other applicable regulations.
• Leverages real-time dashboards to monitor team performance, ensuring the team consistently meets or exceeds Service Level Agreement Key Performance Indicators.
• Drives a culture of accountability by basing team performance assessments on measurable data.
• Identifies process inefficiencies through data analysis and suggest/implement improvements.
• Provides updates and status and performance reports to senior management on a regular basis by tracking relevant data using University systems and other tools and provides leadership with metrics, including through output and turnaround time.
• Oversees, trains, and mentors staff in assigned team.
• Partners with other departments to facilitate transparent and accountable research administration and coordinate documentation and approval processes.
• Maintains effective relationships with sponsor representatives to facilitate communication.
• Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of the internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Ensures employees are trained on controls within the function and on University policy and procedures.

Benefits

• The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
• United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director