Director of Research Administration

Hiring Salary

Commensurate with education and experience.

ES

Director of Research Administration

Exempt

Associate Controller - Financial Reporting

Division of Finance and Operations

10/01/2025

Yes

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or related field required. Master’s degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license preferred. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, post‑award management, or sponsored projects accounting or in a related field. Demonstrated leadership experience with a proven record of team building, staff development, and fostering a culture of service. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience.

Performs complex and highly advanced managerial work providing direction and guidance in the strategic and operational leadership of the university’s post‑award administration of sponsored projects, ensuring sponsored projects are managed with excellence throughout their life cycle while serving faculty with integrity, accuracy, and responsiveness, and partnering with researchers, administrators, and external sponsors to remove administrative barriers, safeguard compliance, and empower the pursuit of research.

Provides vision, leadership, and direction for all post‑award functions, ensuring alignment with the university’s research growth goals. Leads, mentors, and develops staff to build a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement. Fosters strong partnerships with Pre‑Award, Compliance, Finance, and other key stakeholders to create a seamless research support environment. Serves as a primary resource for faculty and research administrators on financial management of sponsored projects.

Promotes a customer service culture that prioritizes timely, accurate, and proactive support. Communicates complex regulations and financial requirements in clear, faculty‑friendly language. Oversees the full life cycle of post‑award activities, including award setup, budget management, invoicing financial reporting, effort certification, and closeout. Ensures compliance with federal (Uniform Guidance), state, system, and sponsor regulations. Manages risk through timely reconciliations, proactive monitoring, and corrective actions when necessary.

Establishes policies, procedures, and internal controls that ensure strong financial stewardship of sponsored funds. Coordinates audits and review with internal and external entities, ensuring accurate and timely responses. Stays current on regulatory changes and sponsor requirements, translating them into effective institutional practices. Partners with Pre‑Award to improve transition between pre‑ and post‑award and create a unified, faculty‑centered research support model.

Identifies opportunities to streamline processes, leverage technology, and reduce administrative burden on faculty. Serves as a bridge between researchers and administrative units, ensuring clear communication and resolution of issues. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Expert knowledge of federal, state, and sponsor regulations (Uniform Guidance, NIH, NSF, etc.). Strong financial management, budgeting, and compliance skills. Must exhibit a high level of professionalism and maturity, executive ability, and a keen understanding of protocol. Ability to organize work effectively and prioritize objectives. Ability to exercise discretion, excellent reasoning, and independent judgment. Assists in the development of policies and operational procedures for the overall department.

Skilled in directing multiple tasks, setting priorities, and organizing operations. Asset and fiscal resources management skills preferred. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with administration, faculty, staff, and the public. Strong communication skills, both orally and written. Requires the critical judgment for the department, in which very serious consequences on decision-making can occur. Interprets and…