Senior Research Administrator

Northwestern University•Chicago, IL

56d•$98,135

About The Position

A Senior Research Administrator for the Third Coast Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) provides administrative leadership by incorporating a significant amount of experience in support of the unit's research programs and mission. Using extensive research administration experience within the same unit, coordinates all aspects of a P30 center grant and associated non-sponsored accounts. Assists in strategic plans by providing guidance and counsel regarding grant administration which includes attending internal and external meetings, interpreting clauses, reviewing contracts, and resolving reporting and/or expense problems. Reviews associated policy and procedures and recommends changes to increase productivity and effectiveness. The CFAR is housed in the Impact Institute, and the Senior Research Administrator will be embedded in the Department of Medical Social Sciences Research Administration team. The role is focused on post-award administration including approvals of procurement and expense reports, award management, budget preparation, compliance, effort reporting, fiscal management, and financial reporting and projections. Please note: Supervisor provides overall objectives & in consultation with EE develops deadlines. Work is reviewed for fulfillment of objectives & overall compliance with policy & procedures. EE completes majority of activities without direction; consulting with supervisor only in regard to new or unusual circumstances. EE uses judgment & an extensive amount of experience to adapt an advanced knowledge of skills, methods, practices, policies & procedures & a moderate degree of innovation, analysis, & reasoning to plan & prioritize work that is primarily project oriented & involves some extremely difficult problems &/or decisions. EE interprets policy. As time and budget allows: New-"Brown Bag"-Interested in becoming an RA? Need more "How To:" sessions such as: Fill out internal & external paperwork Create & review budget Review sponsor guidelines Read a solicitation Five University Business Processes classes (HR700, HR705, HR715, HR725, HR740)New-"Brown Bag"-Interested in becoming an RA? NU-ORI-Res Dam Training session SCS course: Grantsmanship for the Research Professional NCURA-National Council of University Research Administrators/SRA - Society of Research Administrators International (regional or national meetings) Certified Research Administrator (CRA) ASRSP effort reporting 101 NU Financials budget reconciliation and reporting Audit & Advisory best practices

Requirements

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
A minimum of 5 years' experience required with 2 years of research administration and 3 years of research, finance, administrative or other relevant experience.
Organization, time management, detail oriented
Multi-tasking, communication
Self-starter, diplomatic, pro-active, manage stress
Managing people
Provide leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, strategizing

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Northwestern's enterprise systems including NU Financials, CERES, ERS, and Cognos.
Knowledge of National Institutes of Health policies and procedures.
Provide informal leadership by cooperatively anticipating, coordinating, and strategizing with Center leadership.
Excellent written and oral communication

Responsibilities

Manages pre-award administration of grants and &/or contracts.
Coordinates proposal submission.
Coordinates budget and justification preparation.
Completes sponsor and university proposal forms.
Coordinates IRB and IACUC protocols; sub-recipients, facilities, administrative costs, space, and co-investigator agreements.
Creatively and proactively evaluates and resolves problems and makes decisions.
Coordinates post-award activities.
Monitors execution of all financial transactions in research portfolio.
Forecasts & provides information for reports on financial status of projects.
Manages day-to-day financial functions.
Completes expenditure reviews.
Reconciles monthly payroll entries.
Verifies & processes cost share entries.
Identifies program income issues.
Proposes resolutions to overdrafts.
Prepares interim & final financial reports.
Facilitates account close out activities.
Participates in efforts to improve research administration including serving on university committees related to research administration.
Oversees unit's entire sponsored project portfolio.
Reviews transactions and resolve issues that requires a more complex level of financial understanding such as cost-sharing &/or effort reporting knowledge.
Provides information to senior management that is used for department budgeting purposes.
Provides research administration training.
Develops staff.
Mentors other administrative staff in research administration.
Ensures compliance with all appropriate NU policies & practices; local, state, federal, agency & sponsor rules, regulations & requirements regarding grant &/or contract administration.
Recommends changes to improve programs, policy &/or practice.
Resolves compliance problems & issues working in conjunction with faculty.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume