Research Administrator Lead

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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 outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

Job Summary

The Division of Electrical and Computer Engineering is seeking a highly responsible, self-motivated, detail-oriented individual to fill the position of Lead Research Administrator. The successful candidate will manage pre and post award activities relating to the Optics and CUOS Directors and faculty. This position reports directly to the Research Administration Senior Manager.

Research Administrators support Michigan Engineering research projects by coordinating budgets and timelines, securing funding and helping the work stay on track. This is crucial work that enables our research teams to tackle humanity's toughest problems. To learn more about Research Administration at Michigan Engineering, view our short video here.

Responsibilities*

FINANCIAL:

• Financial reconciliation, including monitoring projects to ensure expenses are appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and general funding) assigned by the Research Administration Senior Manager
• Forecasting all financial projects both sponsored and non-sponsored
• Review project expenses to determine allowability and appropriateness including researching erroneous charges and taking corrective action

RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION:

• Work closely with faculty to develop, prepare and submit proposals, involving multi-site budgets, and other agreements with a variety of sponsors
• Develop itemized budgets and guide faculty on appropriate budgetary items to include in proposal submissions ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and EECS/ECE department specific rules and regulations
• Track and oversee project financial status, provide monthly financial reports for investigators
• DBE initiation for faculty, staff and student effort for projects
• Financial monitoring such as journal entries, budget allocations, post award change requests, unfunded agreement processing, initiation sub projects, subcontracts, and monitoring and reconciling purchasing orders in the department purchasing system
• FSRs and other documents to close out sponsored projects
• Organizing meetings and conferences from implementation to completion, including travel arrangements Ensuring that sponsor guidelines for expenses and reporting are being met
• Taking and distributing minutes and following up on action items
• Assisting and drafting ad hoc reports required by faculty, sponsor or Research Administration Senior Manager

OTHER:

• Other duties as assigned
• Coverage for the team as needed, including reimbursements, packages, and schedules
• Assisting with purchasing approvals, as needed

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in related position or an accounting background/experience
• Familiarity with university policies and procedures related to sponsored projects.
• Demonstrated ability to think through and anticipate departmental needs
• Proven ability to work well with others especially under pressure of deadlines.
• Ability to work well independently and in teams
• Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues particularly having an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance
• Proven ability to analyze data
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated initiative identifying and following through on critical tasks
• Ability to make independent decisions
• Experience with financial management and account reconciliation
• Excellent communication skills

Desired Qualifications*

• Demonstrated ability to produce, explain, and use reports and spreadsheets
• Ability to multitask and refocus after interruptions
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, adapt to new conditions and manage change.
• Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of, the following federal agencies NSF, NIH, DOD, and DOE, as well as experience with corporate and industrial sponsors
• RAIN, Navigate certification, or equivalent
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not required

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

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.

This position is primarily remote, however in person presence is needed for finance meetings and assisting with team coverage, when needed.

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.

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.