Lead-Research Administrator (Psychology & Biobehavioral Sciences)

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital•Memphis, TN

29d•$78,000 - $139,360

About The Position

The Lead-Research Administrator independently supports investigator proposal submissions in response to unsolicited application guidelines, requests for applications, public announcements, and requests for proposals from sponsors with varying levels of complexity. The role independently negotiates standard and complex terms and conditions for federal contracts and other non-industrial sponsored agreements, consistent with institutional policy and practice and responsive to programmatic and fiscal needs. The position also prepares or initiates document templates and other resources. The administrator manages grant and sponsored-program operations, including proposal development and submission, budgets, subawards, award lifecycle activities, reporting, and expenditure review. The role collaborates with investigators and cross-functional teams, leads process improvements, and may mentor team members if serving as a people manager. The position requires direct involvement in research grant submissions, experience with NIH-related grants, strong communication and attention to detail, proficiency with software technologies, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree.
At least 5 years of experience managing multiple processes within financial administration applicable to grants and contracts.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Proven performance in an earlier role.
Direct involvement in the grant submission process in a research setting.
Experience with NIH-related grant submission or administration.
Strong attention to detail and communication skills, proficiency with software technologies, and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to think critically, draw insights from data, identify root causes, and solve complex problems independently.
Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences and influence others.
Knowledge of contract terms and conditions, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, amending, and interpreting agreements.
Knowledge of contract management, agreements, and negotiation, including federal contract requirements and FAR clauses.
Knowledge of relevant regulatory compliance and documentation requirements, and ability to apply relevant laws, regulations, and best practices.
Familiarity with grant documents, electronic grants processes, and standard budgeting procedures.
Deep understanding of research administration policies, practices, and concepts, including the ability to review complex proposals and verify compliance approvals.
Knowledge of financial systems, tools, processes, reporting, and budgeting, including the ability to evaluate reports and data.
For people managers only: experience managing or mentoring people; ability to set goals, provide feedback, coach staff, plan team workload, and support employee development.

Responsibilities

Manage and lead grant and sponsored-program administration operations through planning and management of resources.
Manage grant and sponsored-program activities, including reviewing proposal documents and budgets, monitoring subawards, and managing award lifecycle activities.
Support grant-related activities, including proposal preparation and cross-functional coordination for proposal development and submission.
Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets and budget justifications.
Coordinate proactively with cross-functional teams, including principal investigators and research groups, to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
Review award progress, monitor project changes, and ensure expenditures are allowable.
Lead process improvement within the team by developing and implementing SOPs, policies, and systems.
Mentor team members through advice, coaching, and training opportunities when serving as a people manager.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet department and institutional goals and objectives.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance.