Director of Research Administration

OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Director of Research Administration

DIVISION: Academic Affairs

DEPARTMENT: Office of Research Administration

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Non-Unit

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Chief Research Officer

SUPERVISES: Office of Research Administration Staff

SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This is an administrative position with decision-making responsibilities and leadership responsibility in conceiving and advising the Chief Research Officer in formulating policy and programs related to the University's engagement in supporting and advancing its research and sponsored programs. The incumbent is responsible for the administration of the University's grant and sponsored programs, including the pre-award, post-award and grant accounting operations, and represents the University to various internal organizations (campus and UMass system), and external sponsors, federal agencies and state agencies. The incumbent oversees allocation of indirect costs recovery funds, and advises the Chief Research Officer regarding the implementation of research policies and processes. The incumbent will supervise a team that perform pre-award, post-award and accounting and invoicing functions. Exceptionally high degrees of confidentiality and discretion are required in this position. As such, the incumbent is a confidential employee as defined in M.G.L. Chapter 150E, Section 1.

EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Has primary responsibility for formulating, implementing, and supporting the execution of university policies and procedures for ensuring that all aspects of grant and contract administration comply with applicable federal, state, university and sponsor regulations and applicable laws as well as terms and conditions of contracts.
• Responsible for effective staff management for a team of employees, including hiring, training and orientation, development, workflow and performance management and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.
• Conceive and formulate policy in concert with Chief Research Officer regarding infrastructure support and advance the university's research, scholarly, and creative agenda. Support the execution of such policies and procedures.
• Serve as Authorized Institutional Official/Campus Contracting Officer for submission and/or oversight of submission of proposals to external sponsors; negotiation and acceptance of awards; certifying official for assurances, representations and expanded authority; approval of post-award modifications; approval and monitoring of sub-recipient agreements; authorized to execute sponsored agreements to bind the institution contractually; establish a point of contact and liaison for faculty, staff, sponsors, and funding agencies. Keep the Chief Research Officer informed on these activities through regular reports and meetings.
• Responsible for all matters related to the submission of the proposals and oversight of the fiscal review which includes, but is not limited to, reasonableness and accuracy of budgets, institutional commitments (fiscal and legal), securing appropriate internal reviews and approvals, documenting collaborative arrangements, executing assurances and certifications, and reviews, negotiations, acceptances and administration of grant and sponsored activities from federal, state, corporate, and non-profit sources.
• Responsible for staying up to date with and the implementation of OMB uniform guidance.
• Responsible for all matters related to the oversight of the post-award grant administration process including invoicing and collection. Ensure compliance with expenditure reporting to sponsor agencies. Responsible for the NSF Survey of Research Expenditures and indirect cost negotiation process. Oversee effort reporting process.
• Has primary responsibility for negotiating terms and conditions of agreements, including but not limited to publication provisions, indemnification, intellectual property, confidentiality, post-contract ownership of equipment, patents and copyrights, financing, budgets and scope of work; establish parameters for staff relative to all negotiations, revisions, extensions, compliance and export control issues, etc.
• Has primary responsibility for the oversight, development and operation of appropriate management information systems and databases as well as the generation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports of sponsored activities.
• Develop contacts in federal, state, private sector agencies and participate in professional development activities to keep abreast of changes and updates regarding sponsor requirements, funding trends, federal grant and contract regulations and legislation.
• Analyze and interpret federal and state regulations to ensure institutional compliance and consult with faculty, staff, and administrators regarding compliance and other procedural issues. Keep the Chief Research Officer informed of changes that could impact the research operations at the institution. With the guidance of the Chief Research Officer, develop commuications of these changes and impacts to the campus research community.
• Increase accessibility of ORA while adhering to professional standards of communication and proper managerial procedures.
• Maintain positive working relationships with faculty and staff at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth as well as with other colleagues at University of Massachusetts campuses.
• Support the Chief Research Officer and the Research Development Manager to design and execute strategies for increasing the number of submitted proposals and timely management of funded projects.
• Develop, coordinate and offer information sessions on grant opportunities to help expand and sustain research programs at UMass Dartmouth. Offer Faculty training sessions on federal guidelines and issues of allowability of costs and other pertinent/timely issues
• Other related duties as assigned by the Chief Research Officer.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Master's Degree or Bachelor's degree and an equivalent combination of education, training and experience necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• EXPERIENCE: Significant (over 7 years) experience in research and grants administration with progressively increasing responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional certification (CRA) - Certified Research Administrator
• Experience at a Doctoral University High Research Activity (R2) or Very High Research Activity (R1).
• Central grant administration experience
• Management experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to function at the senior administration level in decision-making and policy formulation.
• Demonstrated record of accomplishment in the areas of grant development and administration with public (federal, state, and local) and private (foundation and industry) sponsors that support academic research and sponsored activities.
• Experience with desktop computer applications (word processing, database management systems, spreadsheets) as well as internet browsers and web-based sources of information on funding opportunities, grant administration, and compliance issues.
• In-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of pre-award processes, post-award administration, and grant accounting.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the many diverse constituencies represented by and/or needing support from the ORA.
• Excellent supervisory and management skills.

SALARY: $115,000.00-$135,000.00

UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Paid personal, vacation, and sick time
• And More!

Benefits for Non-Unit Professional: Non-Unit Professional

Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.

The review of applications will be immediate and ongoing until the position is filled.