ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration (Post Award)

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The Office of Research Administration (ORA) has an exciting job opportunity for an ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration (Post-Award) to work at the University of Miami. This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and experienced research administration professional to lead a team of integrated post-award research administrators at the heart of a dynamic research University.

CORE JOB SUMMARY:

The ORA Senior Manager, Research Administration engages in research study conduct, site selection and qualification activities, as well as site management, and balances resources, budgets, and priorities across multiple studies to further the University’s research goals and objectives. The ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration works closely with all Research Administration areas to assure compliance with sponsored requirements. Oversees and aids in the development of institutional reports, provides metrics and qualitative analysis of data, and coordinates in the strategic improvement of the department. Advises and interprets research-funding awards and serves as the subject matter expert for sponsor policies and procedures.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees sponsored compliance to ensure terms and conditions are respected and adhered to.
• Recruits, trains, and mentors department staff to develop talent and improve performance.
• Implements approved operational plans, which are consistent with strategic business objectives.
• Monitors all elements of post-award activity to include award set up, budget, expense review, effort reporting, reconciliations, closeout, audit, compliance, and ensures that payments for research activities and funding for new projects are timely.
• Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of the internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures. 
• Ensures employees are trained on controls within the function and on University policy and procedures.
• Monitors team performance relative to accuracy, timeliness, customer service and other related metrics. Serves as the liaison between the faculty, academic departments and research centers, campus administrative units and a wide variety of federal, state, local and private funding agencies, ensures compliance with university, federal, state, and other agency regulations, policies, procedures, form and guidelines for the conduct of research.
• Assists with developing and implementing internal operating procedures and assists with monitoring grant budget and expense activities, including reporting, proper documentation billings/receivables, collection of cash, award close outs and financial reporting to sponsors.
• Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred. 

Certification and Licensing:

Successful completion of Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Research Administrator, or Certified Research Administrator status or equivalent designation preferred. 

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of Sponsored Programs Administration or related field. University Research Administration experience preferred. Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
• Ability to establish department goals, and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations related to Research Administration, including the Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and major Federal funding agency guidelines.
• Ability to recruit, train and lead a staff to new and changing Sponsored Programs initiatives, and to create an environment within the office, which promotes staff involvement and continuing education.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of analytical ability and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Department Specific Functions

The ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration oversees the Award Management area of the Office of Research Administration (ORA). Assists the Director in overseeing post-award activities of all contracts and grants awarded by federal, state, and other sponsors. The ORA Sr. Manager, Research Administration engages in research study conduct, site selection and qualification activities, as well as site management, and balances resources, budgets, and priorities across multiple studies to further the University’s research goals and objectives. Works closely with all Research Administration areas to assure compliance with sponsored requirements. Oversees and aids in the development of institutional reports, provides metrics and qualitative analysis of data, and coordinates in the strategic improvement of the department. Advises and interprets research funding awards and serves as the subject matter expert for sponsor policies and procedures.

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of post award activity including responsibility for fiscal administration of all contracts and grants awarded by federal, state and other sponsors.
• Oversees the award management area, including budgeting, award monitoring, financial reporting, and award closeouts pertaining to sponsored projects.
• Monitors internal reports, assesses risk and directs resources to resolve issues.
• Manages compliance of awards based on federal, state, and other sponsor guidelines, oversees all award administrative issues. 
• Coordinates the work activities and provides direction, as needed. Monitors team performance relative to accuracy, timeliness, customer service and other related metrics.

• Assists, monitors, and develops Post Award Metrics. 
• Ensures high quality and efficient service to the research community and provides assistance in the planning and implementation of innovative customer service initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory grant and contract requirements and collaborates with administrators to ensure all post-award activities are processed appropriately.
• Utilizes monitoring reports to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.
• Assists with directing of team leads and managers in resolving conflicts between Principal Investigators (PIs) and team members quickly and satisfactorily. 
• Aids in the negotiation between funding agency and faculty on post-award issues and concerns. 
• Maintains knowledge of current federal issues relating to grants and audits of state, local government and non-profit organizations; interprets OMB (Office of Management and Budget) Uniform Guidance for other agreements.
• Assists in the completion of all aspects of the annual audit report on federal awards.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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