KGCOE Research Program Administration Specialist

Rochester Institute of Technology

55d • $65,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is seeking a Research Program Administration Specialist (RPAS) to coordinate and manage a new initiative focused on the design, creation, and testing of two-dimensional polymer (2DP) films. This multi-million-dollar government-funded effort involves constructing a dedicated 2DP facility with a new roll-to-roll coating machine and an expanded lab for formulation development and prototyping. The facility aims to become a national center for 2DP material development and commercialization, with an expected opening in early May 2027. Significant administrative and logistical support is needed immediately to build the effort and its administrative infrastructure, establish clientele through industry, sponsor, and academic interactions, and manage a growing client list. The role will also manage an existing effort in 2DP film production for sponsors and industry partners while the new facility is developed. The RPAS will coordinate research proposal development, conduct financial analysis and budget management, make projections for strategic decision-making, ensure compliance with grants and external partner agreements, and maintain collaborations. The position requires an entrepreneurial spirit, flexibility to take on new challenges, and the ability to work with chemical engineering co-op and independent study students. RIT's core values of student-centeredness, professional development, integrity, respect, innovation, and teamwork are expected to be upheld.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 8 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
• Commitment to student-centeredness—Candidate must support the importance of students as the primary constituency of the university.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of grant writing and proposal development that aligns with state and federal grant/sponsorship laws and regulations and RIT policies and procedures
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance standards regulations
• Knowledge of financial, procurement, HR, and compliance policies and procedures related to research administration
• Skill in project management and organization to manage schedules, resources, and project timelines efficiently in a dynamic environment
• Skill in effective communication and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics
• Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion and uphold ethical standards of grant funds
• Ability to manage and coordinate activities needed for the center with a wide variety of constituencies including academic, industrial and government partners

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the development of research proposals, integrating strategic financial planning and compliance with funding agency requirements
• Conducts financial analysis and budget management for research projects, ensuring optimal allocation and utilization of resources
• Reviews compliance of research operations with grant conditions, implementing changes where necessary to meet regulatory standards
• Establishes and maintains effective collaborations with faculty, researchers, and external partners to enhance research opportunities
• Manages a portfolio of research projects, providing oversight and support to ensure successful project execution
• Advocates for and supports the integration of new research technologies and methodologies to advance project goals
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Salary range of $65,000-$90,000 annually
• RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.
• RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior