Pre-Award Research Administrator

Chapman University Careers•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Chapman University’s Office of Research is seeking a Research Administrator to join its growing and highly motivated team of research administration. The tasks and duties associated with the Research Administrator position will vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. The ideal candidate provides support throughout the life cycle of awards for a wide range of disciplines at Chapman University. The Research Administrator works collaboratively with faculty and academic professionals in areas including monitoring of funding opportunities, proposal development, reviewing and negotiating proposals and awards; preparing contractual agreements; and reviewing of proposals for compliance with sponsor and university policies and federal, state and local government regulations. Serves as Authorized Organizational Representative to submit proposals and communicate with sponsors on behalf of the university. Additionally, this position may work with Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) leadership and staff on SPS departmental projects and/or special assignments as needed. This is an exempt Administrator position.

Requirements

A minimum of three years’ experience in research and sponsored programs administration, with proven experience in pre-award administration
A Bachelor’s degree in any related field (combination of education and experience may be acceptable).
Knowledge of best practices in research and sponsored programs administration.
Knowledge of various extramural sponsors and agencies, including federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations and various industries.
Strong understanding of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards; Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Federal Demonstration Partnership General and Agency Specific Terms and Conditions.
Excellent computer skills in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, preferably Microsoft Office Suite software and Adobe Professional.
Technical skills to learn and use enterprise systems and other job-related software.
Experience working in a team-oriented and diverse environment with ability to take initiative and work independently.
Proven ability to meet deadlines and produce high quality products
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the review process for grant and contract proposals.
Identify areas of risk and/or concern and provide recommendations for solutions prior to proposal submission.
Provide guidance with the interpretation of sponsor guidelines, federal and state laws and university policies and procedures.
Ensure adherence to policies and guidelines by the university and respective agencies.
Ensure export controls and conflict of interest review have been conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Serve as Authorized Organizational Representative to submit proposals and communicate with sponsors on behalf of the university.
Act as a liaison between faculty and funding agency.
Act as a liaison between faculty, academic units, compliance committees and administrative university offices to obtain guidance on appropriate subjects, such as budget, human resources, legal, technology transfer, risk, environmental health and safety and animal & human subject compliance, etc.
Facilitate contract negotiations including new awards, amendments, supplements, renewals, extensions and subcontracts within delegated authority.
Secure concurrence of the principal investigator and other University offices prior to accepting awards with non-standard terms and conditions.
Advise all concerned parties of their responsibilities in meeting special award requirements.
Track proposals from notice of intent to apply through submission.
Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for investigators and dept/college-level grants professionals.
Respond to and follow through with inquiries, needs, and/or issues in a prompt and responsive manner.
Process new awards and award modifications for timely and accurate hand-off to the SPS Contracts and Grants Administrator (post award accounting and administration).
Manage accurate recording of information in relational databases, file systems and records.
Ensure data integrity in all Research Administration systems.
Coordinate campus award acceptance activities and disseminate award information to the campus including strategic communications and marketing.
Collaborate with IS&T, Director of Pre-Award Administration, and other SPS staff in the implementation or upgrade for an Electronic Research Administration (ERA) system as it pertains to pre-award, financial recording and reporting of research and sponsored programs.
Research grant and contract opportunities and inform appropriate faculty and academic leadership of announcements, requirements and deadlines.
Assist Faculty and Administrators in using PIVOT to search for funding.
Disseminating relevant funding opportunities to faculty as appropriate.
Develop presentations and give workshops for faculty and academic administration on searching for funding opportunities, composing grant proposals, creating budgets, using electronic research administration systems, and other related topics.
Assist in training department administrators and analysts in proposal preparation.
Participate in policy development and process improvement activities.
Monitor legislative updates and actions and distribute relevant information to appropriate faculty and academic leadership.
Represent university at professional meetings and conferences.
Perform special projects and other duties as assigned