Director of Research Administration

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • Chapel Hill, NC

43d

About The Position

The Director of Research Administration is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex contracts and research agreements to support multi-institutional clinical trials. Key responsibilities include pre- and post-award contract and grant management, compliance, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution of agreements such as subcontracts, DUAs, BCAs, and CDAs. The role requires independent review, negotiation, and execution of contracts, advising on legal and administrative requirements, and close coordination with university offices. In addition, the position leads strategic planning to streamline Clinical Research Alliance (CRA) contracting processes, tracks progress against timelines, analyzes data to identify bottlenecks, and proposes process improvements. It also involves clear and ongoing communication with investigators, research staff, sponsors, and leadership, ensuring alignment and transparency across projects. The position supports broader research administration functions, including project activation, resource planning, and oversight of CRA vendors and conflict of interest processes. A strong understanding of research operations, funding regulations, and institutional policy is essential to the success of this role.

Requirements

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor's degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.
• Managerial level experience is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills, strong interpersonal and organizational problem-solving skills.
• Have a clear sense of positive, productive collaboration and strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated professionalism, with independent analytical ability to make sound judgments, recommendations using diplomacy, tact, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and projects, using time efficiently and productively; recognizing time constraints and adjusting work schedule to address them.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of experience in the business and administrative aspects at a higher-education institution or research center.
• Experience with UNC research administrative systems and platforms that support clinical research.
• Experience working on complex clinical research and/or projects is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of subcontracting policies and procedures.
• Experience in negotiating with industry and government sponsors for coordinating clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Managing the full lifecycle of complex contracts and research agreements to support multi-institutional clinical trials.
• Pre- and post-award contract and grant management
• Compliance
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely execution of agreements such as subcontracts, DUAs, BCAs, and CDAs.
• Independent review, negotiation, and execution of contracts
• Advising on legal and administrative requirements
• Close coordination with university offices.
• Leads strategic planning to streamline Clinical Research Alliance (CRA) contracting processes
• Tracks progress against timelines
• Analyzes data to identify bottlenecks
• Proposes process improvements
• Clear and ongoing communication with investigators, research staff, sponsors, and leadership, ensuring alignment and transparency across projects.
• Supports broader research administration functions, including project activation, resource planning, and oversight of CRA vendors and conflict of interest processes.

Benefits

• University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events.
• UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees