Manager, Research Project Administration

Texas A&M University System•Corpus Christi, TX

1d•$82,000 - $86,247•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Research Project Administration manages and oversees the administrative, financial, and compliance activities associated with sponsored research projects in collaboration with Autonomy Research Institute (ARI) Principal Investigators (PIs) and project partners. Responsibilities include managing sponsored research administration, overseeing financial monitoring and sponsor reporting, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing sponsor communications, advising and supporting PIs, and supervising assigned sponsored project staff responsible for financial monitoring, billing, and sponsor coordination. The Manager, Research Project Administration, under the direction of the Assistant Director, Finance (ADF) or designee, manages the administrative, financial, and compliance activities associated with sponsored research projects, grants, and contracts. This position serves as ARI’s subject matter expert for sponsored research administration by ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, managing pre-award and post-award administrative activities, advising and supporting PIs, supervising assigned sponsored project staff, and overseeing research administration processes throughout the project lifecycle.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Research Administration, or a related field.
Five (5) years of experience in sponsored research administration, grants management, research compliance, post-award administration, or a closely related field
Master’s degree in Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Research Administration, or related field, and three (3) years of experience in sponsored research administration, grants management, research compliance, post-award administration, or a closely related field; OR
Doctoral degree in Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Research Administration, or related field, and one (1) year of experience in sponsored research administration, grants management, research compliance, post-award administration, or a closely related field
Experience leading teams and managing relationships with PIs, sponsors, project partners, and institutional stakeholders
Experience coordinating sponsored research administration activities throughout the project lifecycle
Strong interpersonal skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database software (e.g., Smartsheet, Laserfiche, etc.)
High level of articulation and professionalism
Exceptional attention to detail
Critical thinking and proactive problem solving
Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement
Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance
Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Business Administration
Ten (10) years or more of experience in sponsored research administration, grants management, research compliance, post-award administration, or a closely related field
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or the ability to obtain certification
Project Management Institute (PMI) Certification
Knowledge of grants.gov and other federal, state, and foundation grant access points and submission portals
Ability to train and advise faculty, staff, and students on project administration
Experience working in higher education, higher education grants, and/or higher education research administration
Experience administering federally funded research awards
Familiarity with aviation, autonomous systems, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility (AAM), or related technology sectors.

Responsibilities

Leads sponsored research administration activities, including monitoring expenditures, validating financial transactions, and documenting costs in accordance with approved budgets and sponsor requirements.
Administers pre-award and post-award sponsored project administration activities to ensure efficient operations and full compliance with Texas A&M University System (TAMUS), state, and sponsor fiscal policies.
Oversees sponsor financial and administrative reports, supporting documentation, and analyses for stakeholders, including PIs, internal departments, sponsors, and auditors.
Ensures compliance with cost-sharing commitments and sponsor-specific requirements.
Directs sponsored project closeout activities, ensuring all financial, administrative, and compliance requirements are completed accurately and on time.
Oversees time and effort reporting and certification to ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
Ensures organizational compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory financial requirements governing sponsored programs.
Serves as ARI’s subject matter expert and primary resource for sponsored research regulations and sponsor requirements.
Interprets sponsor guidelines, advises PIs and project teams regarding compliance requirements, and oversees related administrative actions.
Leads audit preparation and response activities, including coordinating documentation, addressing findings, and implementing corrective actions.
Develops and updates procedures related to sponsored project administration in consultation with the ADF and appropriate university offices.
Manages administrative communications with sponsors and serves as the primary liaison to obtain approvals for budget revisions, compliance actions, key personnel changes, no-cost extensions, and supplemental funding requests.
Reviews and interprets award terms and conditions and oversees the administrative actions necessary to ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
Advises ARI leadership on sponsor regulations, research administration best practices, compliance risks, and changes to federal or sponsor requirements affecting sponsored projects.
Facilitates institutional approvals and sponsor prior approval requests in accordance with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) and sponsor requirements.
Oversees the maintenance of documentation required for sponsor monitoring, audits, and regulatory reviews.
Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and retention of research administration records and documentation throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.
Identifies, recommends, and implements approved process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and service to PIs.
Collaborates with PIs and project partners and manages the alignment of financial and administrative activities with project goals and sponsor requirements.
Ensures accurate and timely entry and maintenance of project data within TAMU-CC and TAMUS systems.
Establishes and maintains sponsored project records and University research administration systems to ensure data accuracy, document integrity, and regulatory compliance.
Administers award setup, modifications, closeout activities, and administrative documentation throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.
Manages sponsor reporting deadlines, administrative milestones, and required deliverables to ensure timely submission of reports and documentation.
Leads the preparation and review of interim, monthly, annual, and ad hoc research administration and financial reports for PIs and ARI Executive Leadership.
Advises and supports PIs throughout the sponsored project lifecycle by providing guidance on sponsor requirements, research administration processes, and university procedures.
Oversees and provides administrative guidance to personnel and PIs regarding proposal preparation, proposal routing, award setup, and grant administration activities throughout the sponsored project lifecycle.
Manages sponsor communications related to administrative and compliance matters.
Interprets sponsor financial requirements and advises PIs and project staff regarding allowable expenditures and required approvals.
May supervise administrative and/or financial staff and oversee day-to-day operations as needed.
Collaborates with the Project Manager III and other Finance personnel on matters that involve sponsored research administration, project management, and financial operations.
Performs additional managerial, research administration, and special project duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance with university contribution
Dental & Vision insurance
Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability
Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account
DUAL CAREER PARTNER PROGRAM
ON-CAMPUS WELLNESS OPPORTUNITIES
Work Life Solutions: Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources
Public Loan Forgiveness
Book scholarships
100% tuition coverage for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year
Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan
8+ hours of vacation paid time off every month.
8 hours of sick leave time off every month.
8 hours of paid time off for Birthday leave.
12-15 paid holidays each year.