The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

Provide leadership for systemwide sponsored programs administration, including pre-award, contracting, award setup, subaward management, and post-award functions.

Develop policies, SOPs, and internal controls to strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve operational efficiency.

Lead initiatives to improve research administration workflows, digital tools, and systemwide alignment.

Collaborate with system and site-level research offices to create unified processes supporting the Research and Sponsored Programs Administration operating model.

Conduct budget development, cost analysis, and negotiation to ensure allowability, accuracy, and compliance.

Oversee post-award functions including financial monitoring, invoicing, compliance review, reconciliation, re-budgeting, and closeout.

Evaluate financial reporting, spending trends, and Payment Management System activity to identify and mitigate risks.

Partner with investigators to track scientific and administrative progress and ensure alignment with project milestones.

Ensure adherence to Uniform Guidance, NIH Grants Policy Statement, FDA regulations, and UMMS policies.

Conduct financial capability assessments for subcontractors and consortium partners.

Identify operational, financial, and regulatory risks and lead development of corrective action plans.

Respond to audit findings, monitoring activities, and performance reviews.

Serve as a key liaison with federal agencies, foundations, industry partners, and collaborating institutions.

Support investigators, clinical leaders, and administrative stakeholders in successful execution of research activities.

Provide guidance on policy interpretation, negotiation strategies, and risk assessment.

Lead, mentor, and supervise sponsored programs staff.

Develop and deliver training for internal and external stakeholders on sponsored programs administration processes and compliance.

Support systemwide workforce development to enhance sponsored programs administration competencies.

Perform all other duties as assigned.

Masters degree in Human Services Administration, Health Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Research Administration, or related field.

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) required or eligible within one year.

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, grants and contracts management, or clinical research operations; leadership experience.

Experience with federal sponsors (NIH strongly preferred), industry-sponsored clinical trials, and multi-site research.

Proven experience negotiating complex agreements including clinical trial agreements and subawards.

Demonstrated success developing and implementing policies, SOPs, and internal controls.

Strong background in financial analysis, budgeting, compliance monitoring, and risk assessment.

Prior experience supervising and developing staff.

Education & Experience - Preferred

Experience in a large academic or healthcare setting

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Expert knowledge of federal regulations governing sponsored research (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH GPS).

Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with investigators, sponsors, and senior leadership.

Advanced analytical abilities, including financial forecasting, cost analysis, and risk assessment.

Ability to manage competing priorities, strict deadlines, and high-volume workflows.

Strong leadership, change-management, and process-improvement skills.

Ability to influence decision-making and build strong collaborative relationships across a complex organization.