Manager of Research Administration

A cover letter is required and should address your specific interest in the position and outline experience that directly relates to this position. Please upload your cover letter and resume into a single file.

Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. We offer more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at www.lsa.umich.edu.

As part of the largest college at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs over 100 staff dedicated to providing financial, procurement, and research administration support across more than 100 units. We seek an experienced professional to join our Business Office as the Manager of Research Administration. In this pivotal role, you will oversee and direct financial and research administration operations, including supporting pre- and post-award activities, managing financial transactions, and overseeing research reporting. Working closely with the Director of Research Administration, this position plays a key role in ensuring operational efficiency and providing high-level support to faculty and staff across the research enterprise.

The Manager of Research Administration will lead the business office team, which includes both new Research Administrators in training and experienced support leads who provide guidance and assistance across all five business office teams. This position oversees the Pool Training Program, which is responsible for training and developing new Research Administrators before they are placed within one of the five business offices to directly support faculty. In addition to managing the program, this role provides ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to trainees to help ensure their long-term success and development within research administration. This position also serves as a co-lead in the hiring process for entry-level Research Administrators entering the pool, helping to identify, recruit, and onboard candidates who will be successful in supporting faculty and advancing the mission of the organization.

This role also includes managing a small faculty portfolio while leading efforts to strengthen and maintain a comprehensive training and development program for Research Administrators. Key responsibilities include enhancing team performance, directing staff, fostering collaboration across teams, and cultivating a positive, accountable, and growth-oriented work environment centered on continuous improvement and professional development.

Pre- and Post-Award Process Management:

• Oversee and manage pre- and post-award processes.
• Review research proposals for accuracy before submission.
• Facilitate proposal preparation meetings with faculty and administrators.
• Prepare and review budgets to ensure accuracy and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Prepare necessary paperwork (PAFs), obtain required signatures, and submit proposals.
• Effectively manage deadlines and competing priorities.

Financial Operations Management:

• Manage financial operations for faculty within the organization.
• Collaborate with Chief Administrators, programmatic staff and the LSA Finance support team.
• Review and approve expenditures and oversee financial commitments.
• Resolve billing discrepancies and conduct budget checks.
• Accurately allocate salaries and effort, including summer salaries.

Support Coordination:

• Support complex workloads across all LSA Finance business offices by providing transitional assistance and temporary backup for staff on vacation, medical, or parental leave, including faculty portfolio management for pre-and post-award activities.
• Adapt to new responsibilities as organizational needs evolve.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving and maintain open communication with all stakeholders.
• Participate in committees and workgroups to help enhance and streamline processes across LSA Finance.

Leadership and Supervision:

• Lead and supervise business office staff, including pool training program
• Develop and train staff in research and financial practices.
• Support and train staff in developing mentoring and leadership skills.
• Participate in recruitment, evaluations, promotions, and the merit process.
• Manage team conflicts and conduct regular meetings.
• Foster a positive culture and uphold high customer service standards.

Collaboration and Customer Service:

• Establish partnerships with unit chief administrators.
• Collaborate effectively with co-workers.
• Deliver excellent customer service.
• Contribute to process development and special projects.
• Represent LSA Finance on University workgroups as needed.
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Projects:

• Identify opportunities for staff training and process improvement.
• Contribute ideas to enhance team effectiveness.
• Collaborate with team members, fostering a positive and supportive environment.
• Actively engage in projects, meet deadlines, and communicate openly about progress and challenges.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Five or more years of relevant experience in research administration and/or higher-level financial activities.
• In-depth knowledge of Excel and other Office products.
• Previous management experience, either direct or functional.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Overall, this role demands flexibility, robust problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to build strong rapport across various teams, all while maintaining high standards of work and communication.

Salary based on experience.

As part of the University of Michigan's Future Work Initiative and LSA Finance's Flexible Work Arrangements, you may work either on campus or remotely. There is a requirement to come to campus as necessary throughout the year to facilitate intentional collaboration, onboarding of new staff, team building, and connections. This includes times when the project or work would benefit from on-campus presence, or when requested by the customer. Any travel planning or expenses related to coming to campus are the responsibility of the employee.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.