A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, in two pages or less, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skill set. Submit both a cover letter and resume as one file (because of system limitations).

The University of Michigan is leading a multi-million dollar, multi-university technology institute supported by the United States Space Force. The goal of this institute is to develop and demonstrate next-generation technology for space propulsion and power. The institute is seeking qualified candidates passionate about space technology research to serve as a Lead Research Administrator for this cutting-edge institute. As a Lead Research Administrator, you will be based in the aerospace engineering department and will work closely with the institute leader of this effort, carrying out a wide range of financial and research administration duties. You will maintain your own complex pre-and post-award portfolio while identifying, participating, and leading process improvement opportunities.

The Lead Research Administrator is responsible for coordinating the administrative research process for proposal submissions (pre award) and the detailed financial management of sponsored funds (post award). This position provides in-depth financial analysis and recommendations of pre and post award activities for the institute director. This position will lead and participate in continuous process improvement efforts and will support other team members as needed.

Institute-level activities include, but are not limited

• Administering post-award for a $35 M institute effort on advanced power and propulsion with multi-subcontractors
• Tracking milestones and milestone reimbursements. Ensuring milestone reimbursements are distributed on a timely basis
• Tracking compliance with contractual requirements
• Interfacing with subcontractor research administrators
• Interfacing with the principal investigator on a weekly basis to reconcile budgets and project plan
• Preparing quarterly reports on expenditures

Pre award activities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the institute director in development, preparation and submission of grant and contract proposals.
• Preparation of complex budgets, budget justifications, and other supporting documentation to meet sponsor and University requirements.
• Reading, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with all applicable sponsor and University proposal requirements and deadlines.

Post award activities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive financial management and ethical stewardship of UM and sponsor funds, reviewing, and monitoring financial transactions for appropriateness and allowability.
• Meeting regularly with assigned faculty to discuss project planning, and personnel effort including in-depth financial analysis with projections.
• Working closely with faculty, human resources, and student services to ensure staff and student appointments are timely.
• Interpreting University, federal, and other sponsor policies; advising faculty and leadership on their implications; and recommending various possible courses of action.
• Partnering with College and central office staff to research, analyze and resolve sponsor, financial, HR and payroll issues, alerting leadership of any areas of concern.

Other duties as assigned include, but not limited to:

• Providing back-up support for the research administration team.
• Actively identifying, participating, and leading process improvement activities.

• Funding source requires U.S. citizenship
• Lead: Bachelor's degree with seven (7) or more years of progressive grant, finance and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Senior: Bachelor's degree with five (5) or more years of progressive grant, finance and contract experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated excellent critical thinking, attention to detail, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to respectfully work with a diverse group of colleagues.
• High level of proficiency, speed and accuracy with Excel and the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing technology.
• Knowledge and application of project management best practices (this includes deadline management, attention to detail, prioritization). 

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. Senior level salary range is anticipated to be $82,000-$91,000. Lead level salary range is anticipated to be $91,000-$100,000.

Candidates who are not currently employed at the College of Engineering may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus. College of Engineering candidates for whom this position represents a promotional opportunity may be eligible for up to a $1,500 sign-on bonus. 

This is a five (5) year term-limited position through November 30, 2029 with possible renewal based on funding extension.

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.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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