Senior Research Administration Specialist
About The Position
This position serves as an advanced-level research administration professional responsible for leading complex pre-award activities while incorporating project management principles to support faculty and research teams across assigned units. This role functions as a subject matter expert in proposal development, sponsor guidelines, and research administration processes, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning, coordination, and execution of sponsored research proposals. The position will independently manage a portfolio of highly complex proposals and collaborates closely with principal investigators (PIs), departmental leadership, and central offices to ensure timely, compliant, and competitive submissions. In addition to pre-award responsibilities, this role applies project management practices to coordinate timelines, track deliverables, facilitate communication across stakeholders, and support multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposals. This position also serves as a team resource and mentor, providing guidance, training, and problem-solving support to research administration staff. While not a formal supervisor, the role is expected to function as a lead by promoting best practices, streamlining processes, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. Limited post-award responsibilities (approximately 10%) include award setup support, interpretation of award terms, and advising on financial and administrative compliance.
Requirements
- Advanced knowledge of pre-award research administration, including proposal development, budgeting, and sponsor compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and private sponsor guidelines.
- Experience developing complex proposal budgets, including personnel forecasting, cost-sharing, and multi-year projections.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, including tracking deadlines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience coordinating multi-investigator and/or multi-institutional proposals.
- Ability to develop and implement project plans, timelines, and tracking tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to compile and edit proposal materials.
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate discussions and resolve issues across varied stakeholder groups.
- Experience providing guidance, training, or mentorship to peers or junior staff.
- Ability to serve as a resource for best practices and problem-solving within research administration.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Experience with research administration systems (e.g., RAMSeS, Cayuse, PeopleSoft, Infoporte) or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with project management tools and tracking systems.
- High level of organization, accuracy, and ability to manage competing priorities.
- Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy.
Nice To Haves
- 5+ years of experience in research administration, particularly in pre-award.
- Experience with complex, multi-site, or interdisciplinary proposals.
- Experience applying project management methodologies in an academic or research setting.
- Professional certification (e.g., CRA, CPRA, PMP).
- Experience leading process improvements or developing standard operating procedures.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex pre-award activities incorporating project management principles.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in proposal development, sponsor guidelines, and research administration processes.
- Strategically plan, coordinate, and execute sponsored research proposals.
- Independently manage a portfolio of highly complex proposals.
- Collaborate with principal investigators (PIs), departmental leadership, and central offices to ensure timely, compliant, and competitive submissions.
- Apply project management practices to coordinate timelines, track deliverables, and facilitate communication across stakeholders.
- Support multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposals.
- Serve as a team resource and mentor, providing guidance, training, and problem-solving support to research administration staff.
- Promote best practices, streamline processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Provide limited post-award support including award setup, interpretation of award terms, and advising on financial and administrative compliance.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
