eRA Systems Manager

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position, and must outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of this position.

Job Summary

A remote work option is available.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements. ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities. Additional information regarding ORSP is available on our website.

The eRA Systems Manager is a key role within the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP), responsible for enhancing and optimizing Electronic Research Administration (eRA) systems. This position involves collaborating with the ITS department, and facilitating the streamlining of business processes for integration into system workflows. The eRA Systems Manager also plays a central role in executing an eRA systems strategy, fostering efficiency, and serving as a liaison between ORSP and the ITS help desk.

Under management of the Associate Director, eRA Systems, this position is responsible for the following:

System Enhancement and Deployment

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to design, develop, and deploy enhancements as the business owner of the ORSP CLM system and as the primary departmental liaison for the help desk related to the ITS-owned eRA system.
• Conduct analysis of business and user needs.
• Create documentation of business requirements, acceptance criteria, and business processes.
• Conduct user testing and work with ITS and subject matter experts to address any fixes.
• Ensure that system changes and enhancements align with the evolving needs of ORSP and the research community.

Business Process Transformation

• Work closely with internal partners and functional teams to transform existing business processes into integrated system workflows.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process optimization to enhance research administration processes.
• Streamline data capture, reporting, and compliance efforts through effective integration.
• Work closely with Training Manager and Communications Manager to ensure effective change management and training around process and system changes.

eRA Systems Strategy

• Collaborate with the Associate Director, Executive Director, and ITS, with input from external stakeholders, to establish and execute a comprehensive eRA systems strategy.
• Assist in development of a roadmap for system enhancements, prioritizing critical needs and long-term goals.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in research administration.

System Administration

• Manage user access, permissions for internal systems.
• Serve as the point of contact and liaison between ORSP and the Information Technology Services (ITS) help desk for troubleshooting matters related to our various eRA systems.
• Facilitate timely resolution of technical issues, provide user support, and escalate complex problems as necessary.
• Collaborate with ITS staff to troubleshoot and resolve system-related issues.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five (5) years of directly relevant experience.
• Strong technical proficiency and familiarity with databases, including data management, data integrity, data structure.
• EITHER proven experience in ERP systems or electronic research administration systems in higher ed, including system administration, enhancement deployment, and business process transformation, OR a background in a sponsored projects central office, with an interest, aptitude, and willingness to learn the electronic research administration systems side.
• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and manage system-related projects.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Commitment to maintaining data security and confidentiality.
• Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or similar methodologies.

Desired Qualifications*

• Working knowledge of U-M's electronic research administration system(s).
• Working knowledge of Business Objects, or SQL.
• Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g. eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
• Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
• PMI-ACP certification or similar

Certified Research Administrator certification (CRA).

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.