Research Administration Manager
University of Michigan
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.
Job Summary
The Department of Aerospace Engineering seeks an experienced Research Administration Manager to support our vibrant and highly recognized research program by providing oversight
and leadership of the administrative research process for proposal submissions, the comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of sponsored and non-sponsored funds,
and departmental compliance of external and internal policies. The Research Administration Manager leads and provides continuous process improvements to help build a best-in-class aerospace engineering research enterprise. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in management and research administration with an interest in collaborative process improvement, positive leadership, and staff development. The Research Administration Manager will report to the Department Administrator and will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students within the Aerospace Engineering Department.
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.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
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
Responsibilities*
50% Management activities include but are not limited to: Positive leadership of departmental research administrators to curate the best team culture and service excellence while ensuring consistency in service delivery, accuracy of work, and effective procedures and communication. Includes hiring, planning and directing work, approving time sheets, appraising and oversight of staff productivity and efficiency, conducting recurring staff meetings to promote team building, and scheduling regular one-on-one meetings with staff for the purpose of building service excellence through training, coaching, and career development. Managing the daily operation and development of the department's research administration to provide timely and accurate proposal submissions and responsive stewardship of faculty research, general, and gift fund and to ensure compliance of institutional, sponsor, and federal guidelines and regulations. Member of the Aerospace Internal Controls Committee and responsible for compliance and development of internal controls of the department's research administration area.
40% Research administration activities include but not limited to: Complete and accurate coordination of all administrative aspects of proposal submissions, as appropriate, with internal and external entities. Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of university and sponsor funds. Meeting regularly with researchers to review award contracts, provide financial management and projections, and offer analysis and advice on project management and proposal submissions. Interpreting university, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action. Partnering with department, college, and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues.
10% Other duties as assigned include but not limited to: Maintain up-to-date training in relevant M-Pathways modules, Business Objects, and other U-M tools and resources. Attend college and university research administration meetings and workshops to remain informed of changing federal, sponsor, and U-M requirements, policies, and procedures. Provide back-up support for the research administration team
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience, with five or more years of research administration and one or more years of management, preferably in academia.
Demonstrated positive leadership, excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to interpret and effectively communicate department, university and sponsor guidelines and policies; high level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology; demonstrated ability to work independently and also collaborate effectively as part of a team; ability to follow projects through to completion and meet high work standards; demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities; strong attention to detail; ability to function productively in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment; must be supportive of, and participate in, change initiatives to improve service, efficiencies and/or productivity; excellent customer service skills, attendance and dependability are essential.
Desired Qualifications*
Desired Qualifications: Certified Research Administrator (CRA); knowledge of university financial practices and processes; familiarity and experience with university administrative and business
tools such as Business Objects, MReports, eResearch, and Emburse; prior experience with federal funding agencies such as NSF, NASA, DoD and DoE; familiarity with grants.gov, NASA NSPIRES, and NSF Fastlane.
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.
Additional Information
Candidates who are not currently employed at the Michigan Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus. Michigan Engineering candidates for whom this position represents
a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus.
A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily 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.