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Director of Research Administration

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. Include the cover letter as the first page of your application. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.

Job Summary

The mission of the University of Michigan Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is to catalyze, support, and safeguard U-M research. To that end, our team is constantly striving to foster new research, build partnerships, and provide support to our researchers in order to realize our vision of research that serves the world.

OVPR oversees numerous units conducting research as well as units focused on providing services and support to U-M researchers. OVPR is seeking a Director of Research Administration who will report to the OVPR Executive Director of Business Operations and work closely with staff and leadership in OVPR and OVPR reporting units to manage the OVPR portfolio of research projects. This position represents OVPR to the broader campus community and participates in committees and work groups. The Director of Research Administration will direct a team that is dedicated to providing outstanding support for grant submissions as well as post award accounting and grant management.

Responsibilities*

Directly oversee all aspects of research administrative policy and process for the Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) and its units (pre- and post-award).

Serve as the primary point of contact for OVPR unit directors and university partners on research administrative policy and process (pre- and post-award) including escalation of service issues and policy concerns.

Provide direct supervision and support to the OVPR research administration lead and other staff members per the team staffing structure.

Oversee the development, training, and process improvement of the OVPR research administration team, working to create a positive and productive team culture.

Work with various institutional partners to develop streamlined processes for managing complex grant proposals. Advise leadership on key administrative components to consider in the development of programs.

Oversee compliance with all governing policy and process to ensure effective auditing of projects as appropriate.

Serve as the OVPR liaison to schools and colleges; troubleshoot issues and escalate concerns as appropriate to leadership.

Develop and maintain metrics for the OVPR research administration.

Review and approve proposals, award change requests, award acceptance requests, journal entries, and travel reimbursements for OVPR, except where delegated to project team.

Review and approve research administration business systems access requests (OARS).

Represent and serve as the OVPR liaison on various campus committees.

Provide research administration subject matter expertise on special projects.

Manage small portfolio of projects for OVPR.

Serve as the lead for special contracts and agreements.

Maintain the institutional cost share database including the preparation of management reports.

Provide leadership to develop, improve, and implement OVPR Research Administration policies and procedures.

Develop, maintain, track, and implement annual unit goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience overseeing grants and contracts administration, regulatory compliance and research support functions in an academic environment.

5+ years direct supervisory experience managing team members and delivery of effective research administration support.

Experience managing and using data to report outcomes and recommend actions.

Experience with building and maintaining high-level partnerships across diverse organizational functions whether academic departments, central offices or industry partners.

Experience with developing grant budgets, comprehensive budget forecasting, expenditure tracking and financial reconciliation.

Experience with interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines to grant proposal preparation and sponsored project management.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; ability to present and articulate ideas and plans.

Effective problem-solving skills; must demonstrate excellent analytical skills and sound judgement.

Desired Qualifications*

Certified Research Administrator (CRA).

Experience with U-M eResearch system.

Experience with U-M business systems (e.g. M-Pathways, Business Objects, etc.) for data reporting and budgeting.

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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Additional Information

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000. A higher salary may be possible for an exceptionally-qualified candidate.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

266935

Working Title

Director of Research Administration

Job Title

Research Administration Sr Mgr

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Umor Off Vp Resrch

Department

UMOR Office of VP for Research

Posting Begin/End Date

8/01/2025 - 8/15/2025

Salary

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

Career Interest

Research