Research Administration Manager

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The Office of Sponsored Programs ( OSP) partners with the research community to support and advance the University's research mission by providing leadership and expertise in research administration. OSP facilitates and manages all aspects of sponsored research administration for over $1B in sponsored awards each year while developing and maintaining strong relationships with campus partners and external sponsors. OSP is responsible for the following primary functions: (1) proposal review and submission, (2) award negotiation, (3) award management, (4) financial reporting and cash management, (5) F&A rate development, negotiation, and review, (6) cost analysis and research service center (recharge) rate development, (7) monitoring and oversight of time and effort reporting, (8) oversight of regulatory compliance, (9) training and development for research administration personnel, and (10) Project closeout and final reporting requirements. OSP provides complete sponsored project life cycle support (sometimes known as pre-award and post-award services) to faculty and staff.

There are four functional areas of responsibility within the Office of Sponsored Programs, which have the following types of positions: (1) program administration; (2) accounting, financial reporting, and cash management; (3) data management reporting and analysis; and (4) financial compliance, effort reporting, cost studies, and cost accounting standards ( CAS).

OSP serves as the official institutional signatory for the Chancellor and is responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposal submissions, as well as negotiating and administering awards on behalf of the University. These activities include monitoring institutional compliance for research and training activities, pre-award services, billing and financial reporting, cash management, cost analysis and compliance of research-related activities, verification of technical report and patent & invention report submissions by principal investigators (PIs), award closeout, and the implementation of information technology into research administration activities. OSP's centralized administrative functions facilitate the development and implementation of standardized policies & procedures across the University. They also provide training opportunities to improve University-wide efficiencies and communication to increase the quality of research administration.

The Research Administration Manager in the Office of Sponsored Programs is responsible for all areas of research administration, including both pre-and post-award functions. This position leads a team of 4 to 6 Sponsored Projects Specialists who provide a full range of services to Principal Investigators (PIs) and departmental administrative staff, from proposal submission to project closeout, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, non-profit, and industry Sponsor and University guidelines.

The Research Administration Manager performs the following duties:
Leads a team of multi-level experienced Sponsored Projects Specialists, and provided direction on complexities and compliance issues throughout the lifecycle of the award
Provide mentorship and assist staff, as needed, with reviewing and negotiating complex legal contracts for clinical and non-clinical research funding received by the University from federal, state, and non-profit sponsors to facilitate industry-sponsored research at UNC
Troubleshoot unusual or challenging situations and consult with leadership, as needed, to develop strategies and resolutions using advanced critical thinking skills
Provide collaborative support to all staff members and fellow leaders, as needed, and be able to be involved in training on core research competencies, including federal and sponsor guidelines, compliance issues related to conflicts of interest, time and effort reporting, human and animal subjects regulations as they relate to pre-and post-award administration, research integrity, sub-recipient monitoring, A-133 audit standards, cost-sharing, and other areas of financial and non-financial research compliance
Provide clear objectives that foster development and align with university values and goals.
Guide staff on communicating to advise faculty and departmental staff on proposal preparation, interpretation of complex terms and conditions, negotiation strategies, compliance with sponsoring agency statutory and regulatory requirements, and State and University policies
Set performance standards for employees, prepare performance evaluations, and offer positive feedback as well as corrective actions to employees
Recognize and pursue professional development and training opportunities for team members
Keeping abreast of new developments in research administration policies and requirements to serve as an up-to-date source of information, guidance, and training for OSP Research Administration Unit, the campus, and the research community.
Serves as a role model and engenders trust, commitment, and civility.
Ensures that all work is completed with a high degree of accuracy. Errors resulting from failure to exercise required accuracy could result in loss of credibility and have a negative financial impact on the University, including audit disallowances and impact on future awards.

Manager with Masters and 5+ years of relevant experience; or Bachelors with at least 1-2 yrs supervisory experience and 5+ years of relevant experience

* Post-baccalaureate degree
* Previous experience with system-to-system pre-award software and PeopleSoft Grants Management
* Previous experience in research administration in pre- and post-award as a grant/research administrator in a university or non-profit setting
* Previous experience in the financial management of multiple projects in the post-award phase
* Previous experience in contract negotiations

Necessary demonstrated skills for the Research Administration Manager:
* Knowledge of federal regulations, cost principles, and administrative requirements applicable to contracts and grants, including, but not limited to Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations ( FAR), Code of Federal Regulations ( CFR), and other research compliance requirements (e.g. Export Control, Conflict of Interest, Human/Animal Subjects Ethics Training)
* Experience interpreting funding opportunity guidelines and submitting complex proposals to federal, state, and non-profit funding agencies
* Ability to research and remain current on relevant contractual issues arising under state law, federal research-related guidelines, university contracting policies and guidelines, and a wide variety of other university policies related to the appropriate conduct of research.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office products
* Experience in data tracking and report preparation
* Experience in training/mentoring others and creating written policies/procedures
* Leadership experience
* Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
* Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced work environment
* Ability to stay calm, organized, polite, and efficient under pressure.
* Effective communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a variety of audiences (e.g., PIs, department representatives, other internal and external partners)
* Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
* Perform work with a high degree of autonomy, accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness

Leadership Skills
Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills to assist with building and fostering relationships within the OSP work environment and campus
The ability to lead a team allowing the opportunity for growth and encourage office-wide collaboration
Demonstrated good listening skills, problem-solving and decision-making techniques, and the aptitude to know when to be assertive
Positive 'can-do' attitude
Capacity to be a team-player

Business Administration
Ability to assist staff, as needed, with negotiations with external entities and constituents.
Ability to research and remain current on relevant research administration issues arising under state law, federal research-related guidelines such as Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations ( FAR) and other federal agencies, University contracting policies and guidelines, and a wide variety of University policies related to the appropriate conduct of research.
Ability to develop and write standard operating procedures (SOPs) on research administration
Ability to operate with minimal daily supervision.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and other online applications such as Zoom, and Microsoft Teams
Ability to assist staff in prioritization of work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Information Analysis and Decision-Making
Ability to independently analyze and resolve unprecedented issues and problems that necessitate input from and collaboration of external sources.
Ability to serve as a resource for others in resolving issues and problems.
Ability to anticipate problems and develop resolution strategies.
Ability to prepare and analyze complex technical matters involving existing and emerging issues pertaining to the subject area and make recommendations from the analysis.

Communication
Capacity to communicate information to individuals or groups and deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
Ability to convey information verbally clearly and concisely or in writing to individuals or groups to ensure that they understand the information and the message.
Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others.

Schedule | Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 5:00pm

This position is a 100% remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.