Research Administration Manager

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

2d•$80,000 - $105,000

About The Position

The School of Pharmacy Research Administration team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison seeks an experienced research administration professional to provide comprehensive pre- and post-award support to faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders. The manager oversees the sponsored funding and contract portfolios of 10–15 Principal Investigators across the grant lifecycle, serving as a primary point of contact for faculty, college research administration leadership, and campus partners. Duties span proposal development, award setup and management, compliance with sponsor, state, federal, and university reporting requirements, and project closeout. The role manages competing priorities and deadlines, exercises independent judgment on complex grants and contracts, and contributes leadership and expertise to the research administration team, the School of Pharmacy, and the broader UW community. The team includes the Director/Assistant Dean for Research Administration, 2.5 Research Administration Managers, and one Post Award Accountant, and works closely with the School of Pharmacy Business Office, Human Resources, and Payroll colleagues.

Requirements

At least three years of grants administration experience in an academic setting.
Experience applying fiscal and administrative rules, regulations, and procedures for administering sponsored projects.
Experience with pre- and post-award research administration, including grant proposal development and/or budget planning or management.
Successful experience working in a team environment.
Highly effective and professional verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines, with strong attention to detail, organization, prioritization, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Desire and ability to engage in ongoing process improvement projects.
Proficiency with Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Office, and Google Drive.
Continuous eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Research Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with federal sponsors, including NIH, NSF, DOE, or DOD.
Experience with Workday ERP and UW RAMP.

Responsibilities

Provide training to faculty, staff, and administrators on sponsored project administration policies, procedures, and execution.
May submit proposals, agreements, or invoices to sponsors on behalf of principal investigators or project directors.
Execute research administration operational policies and procedures, including financial, administrative, staffing, and compliance activities for the unit.
Review and approve programmatic transactions throughout the sponsored project lifecycle to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor policies and procedures.
May supervise the day-to-day activities of research administration staff.
Serve as a resource to unit leadership and staff and as a liaison to partners and stakeholders.
Carry out proposal submission, contract negotiation, and award setup activities on behalf of the unit.
Carry out financial compliance, audit, and reporting activities on behalf of the unit.
Manage sponsored funding and contract portfolios for 10–15 Principal Investigators across the grant lifecycle, including proposal development, award management, reporting, and closeout.