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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.

Summary

We are seeking an experienced research administrator to perform duties related to post-award sponsored research support. This position will join the team which provides post-award support to all units at UM-Dearborn. This position requires a proactive individual who will approach the work with a customer service focus. The research administrator will work collaboratively with the administrative support teams in the units.

We value a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We are committed to the development of a diverse and culturally intelligent workforce who thrive and contribute to a positive, welcoming and inclusive environment.

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 after 12 months of eligible service, with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Eligibility for benefits is based on your job group, your appointment percentage and the length of your appointment. Learn more about employee benefits and eligibility and download the Comprehensive Benefits for Faculty and Staff flier.

Tuition support information can be found at: https://umdearborn.edu/policies-and-procedures/faculty-staff-policies-and-procedures/employee-tuition-support-program

UM-Dearborn is a comprehensive university offering high quality undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education to residents of southeastern Michigan, and enrolls nearly 9,000 students. Faculty and students have the opportunity to collaborate across all three campuses in research and scholarly activity.  UM-Dearborn is located ten miles west of Detroit and thirty-five miles east of Ann Arbor. The campus is strategically located on 200 suburban acres of the original Henry Ford Estate in the Greater Detroit Metropolitan region.  Our staff appreciate being part of a close, smaller campus community, but are still able to benefit from the larger three-campus University community.

Responsibilities*

Research Administration: Support the complete post-award process for research (internally and externally funded) and sponsored projects as assigned. Provide oversight and ensure compliance by monitoring budgets, spending, and procurement requisitions and by providing guidance and counsel for the stewardship of sponsored research funds through monthly reconciliation. Will work with unit administrative team members to ensure appropriate appointments on research projects, timely procurement in compliance with proposed activities, and perform corrective actions on a timely basis when necessary.

Specific duties include:

• Monthly review, reconciliation, and monitoring of expenditures; making recommendations to keep within budget.
• Proactively manage budgets tracking financial commitments, monitor budgeted effort for personnel.
• Identify discrepancies between proposed budgeted activities and actuals and resolve.
• Alert project directors and administration to areas of concern; initiate and follow through on corrective action.
• Process post-award changes including necessary justification.
• Initiate set up of and monitor subcontracts.
• Partner with unit staff to process necessary transactions (HR, procurement, reimbursement, scholarship).
• Analyze and model financial options for PI and other stakeholders when situations arise.
• Present options in a clear and professional manner either during monthly reporting to PIs, during regularly scheduled meetings with PIs or ad-hoc when more urgent situations arise.
• Review, approve and provide guidance to staff and faculty regarding procurement transactions on sponsored funds.
• Provide guidance to PIs and staff as necessary and appropriate.
• Liaison with Sponsored Programs, ORSP, and other offices as appropriate.

Process Improvement: Document practices to ensure consistent customer service across College(s). Collaborate with appropriate groups on developing, implementing, and reviewing internal controls. Recommend and implement simplified reporting tools for monitoring research activity and budgetary compliance.

Required Qualifications*

• A Bachelor's degree in business, finance or related fields.
• 3-5 years successful experience in research administration, grant management or sponsored projects.
• Understanding of fund accounting rules and Uniform Guidance principles.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse community using technology effectively.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Exceptional customer service experience.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Comfortable working in a deadline oriented environment.
• Significant expertise in business related software applications, particularly Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace for Education.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience in a University or similar setting.

Desired Qualifications*

• 5+ years successful experience in research administration, grant management or sponsored projects.
• Experience in pre- or post-award management at the University of Michigan.
• Experience with M-Reports, Business Objects, Tableau, and other data visualization tools.

Work Locations

We are committed to providing flexible work arrangements that meet the needs of a diverse workforce while also maintaining a high level of customer service.   This position is eligible for remote work opportunities. Please note that occasional on-site presence will be required for selected meetings. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change based on unit needs.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at the intermediate level depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Our goal is to fill the position at the senior level, however, candidates with lesser experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered if the primary goal is not met. Lesser-experienced candidates will be reviewed at the intermediate level. The salary range for the intermediate level position is $50,000 - $57,000. The salary range for the senior level position is $57,000 - $65,000.

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.