Research Project Manager - Comprehensive Integrated Research Operations (CIRO)

Job Description Summary The Comprehensive Integrated Research Operations (CIRO) is a centralized unit that provides services to support the Institution’s research enterprise. The Research Project Manager supports and manages complex research portfolios in collaboration within institutional structures, faculty, and sponsors. This position will manage and coordinate all extramural development, major program projects, or set of programs established to address a key area of specialized focus. The position provides a full range of administrative support for the research enterprise in the Institution. However, the position’s primary goal will be to ensure adequate support to faculty, including overseeing the management of extramural funds while providing various services and technical support to the department. Job Duties Lead and manage complex research portfolios in collaboration with institutional leadership, faculty, and external sponsors, ensuring alignment with departmental research goals and institutional priorities. Support the planning, development, and execution of major program projects and specialized research initiatives, in collaboration with faculty, including coordination across multiple sites and disciplines. Provide high-level administrative, operational, and fiscal oversight for extramural and intramural research funds, ensuring optimal resource allocation. Drive strategic growth by supporting the development of competitive research proposals and fostering collaborations to expand the research enterprise. Serve as the primary liaison among sponsors, multi‑site collaborators, principal investigators, contract research organizations, community partners, and internal stakeholders to ensure clear communication and coordinated efforts. Support the internal implementation of general principles of GAAP standards and CIRO standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensuring financial compliance and consistency with contracts and agreements over the life of the project, following institutional and sponsor guidelines. Conduct regular portfolio reviews with project leaders to monitor financial projections, proposal activity, milestone completion, and achievement of research objectives. Identify, evaluate, and recommend improvements to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and ensure effective workflows with adherence to quality standards. Mentor, train, and supervise staff, fostering professional growth and ensuring adherence to best practices and institutional standards. Partner with the Director to establish and refine standard operating procedures, workflow processes, and process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Required Qualifications Four (4) years of experience in business administration or a related field. Five (5) years of experience in research administration (e.g., managing extramural funding, coordinating large research projects, liaising with sponsors), project management, or grant management. Relevant education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis. Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree, Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Health or a degree in Research Administration. Certifications/Licenses: At least one of the following: Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). Work Experience: Five (5) years in a large clinical unit within academia or research administration. Skills Strategic Planning Budget Development Organization Attention to detail Communication Interpersonal skills Comprehensive Benefits Package Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403(b)) are available. See benefit details . Employment Type Regular, Time Type: Full time. Pay Range Pay Range: $92,800.00 – $139,200.00. Minimum $92,800.00. Midpoint $116,000.00. Maximum $139,200.00. Equal Opportunity Statement The University of Kansas Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, protected veteran or disability status, marital status, parental status, or genetic information. Policy . Latest Additional Information Under Kansas state law, certain KUMC positions are subject to disability preference. Information regarding disability preference and other federal participation posters can be found at the following links: #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Kansas Medical Center