Executive Director, Research Administration

University of Miami•Coral Gables, FL

About The Position

The Executive Director of the Office of Research Administration (ORA) reports to the Associate Vice President for Research Administration and is responsible for providing leadership, oversight and management of ORA’s mission for the Coral Gables, Rosenstiel, and Medical Campuses for Pre-award, Post-award, and the Strategic Initiatives divisions. The Executive Director is responsible for supervision of all personnel under the pre-award unit. Job Functions: Partners with academic and departmental leadership, and grant/contract staff to facilitate transparent and accountable research administration organization in support of principal investigators and the University’s research mission. · Provides grants management expertise for the University regarding 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) in relation to pre, post, and training operations. Coordinates award documentation and approval processes for record keeping, reporting, and liaison activities within the University of Miami (UM) and outside awarding agencies. Directs, reviews, and submits proposals; directs and coordinates the accounting of funds from Federal agencies, industry and private foundations for support of University sponsored programs. Monitors for compliance with agency and UM requirements for all pre/post activities. Monitors funds to ensure receipt and disbursement according to terms of sponsored awards. Oversees the preparation and submission of fiscal reports to agencies, Institutional trends and financial reports to Leadership, Deans, and Departments as required. Assures reimbursement of project expenditures. Provides training and support to faculty and administration regarding sponsored requirements. Develops strategic initiatives to increase Federal costing policy awareness within the institution and ensure compliance through development of policies and procedures and coordination of training of University personnel. Maintains effective relationships with Federal representatives; facilitate communication and audit of University records and resolve noted discrepancies. Provides information to sponsors and UM personnel in a prompt, accurate and cordial fashion. Assesses the regulatory impact on internal business processes. Accomplishes special projects in support of Finance and Treasury. Seeks ways to improve and enhance service delivery. Maintains the commitment to continuous evaluation and assessment of organizational effectiveness. · Supervises Associate Directors and ORA staff to accomplish responsibilities listed above.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required, Master’s degree in Law, Business, or Public Administration is highly preferred.
Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
Prior experience managing staff in a research administration setting.
Thorough knowledge of sponsored program regulations; specific areas of expertise in proposal preparation, contracting accounting, and finance principles.
Demonstrated leadership, as a leader and manager, in a research administration setting.
Proficient with research and grant administration software as well as Microsoft Office applications.
Demonstrated expertise in federal web-based grants management systems and enterprise financial systems.
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.
Enjoys working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and with all levels of institute staff.
Knowledge of business and management principles.
Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
Ability to establish department goals, and objectives that support the strategic plan.
Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.
Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

Nice To Haves

High preference of proven customer service orientation.
Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience and/or certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

Partners with academic and departmental leadership, and grant/contract staff to facilitate transparent and accountable research administration organization in support of principal investigators and the University’s research mission.
Provides grants management expertise for the University regarding 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) in relation to pre, post, and training operations.
Coordinates award documentation and approval processes for record keeping, reporting, and liaison activities within the University of Miami (UM) and outside awarding agencies.
Directs, reviews, and submits proposals; directs and coordinates the accounting of funds from Federal agencies, industry and private foundations for support of University sponsored programs.
Monitors for compliance with agency and UM requirements for all pre/post activities.
Monitors funds to ensure receipt and disbursement according to terms of sponsored awards.
Oversees the preparation and submission of fiscal reports to agencies, Institutional trends and financial reports to Leadership, Deans, and Departments as required.
Assures reimbursement of project expenditures.
Provides training and support to faculty and administration regarding sponsored requirements.
Develops strategic initiatives to increase Federal costing policy awareness within the institution and ensure compliance through development of policies and procedures and coordination of training of University personnel.
Maintains effective relationships with Federal representatives; facilitate communication and audit of University records and resolve noted discrepancies.
Provides information to sponsors and UM personnel in a prompt, accurate and cordial fashion.
Assesses the regulatory impact on internal business processes.
Accomplishes special projects in support of Finance and Treasury.
Seeks ways to improve and enhance service delivery.
Maintains the commitment to continuous evaluation and assessment of organizational effectiveness.
Supervises Associate Directors and ORA staff to accomplish responsibilities listed above.