How to Apply
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 the responsibilities and requirements of this position.
Summary
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care -- that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements. ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities. Additional information regarding ORSP is available on our website.
The Assistant Director of the Sponsored Projects Coordinator Team leads and oversees a dedicated team responsible for the efficient and accurate intake and processing of sponsored proposals and awards; management of data and administrative information related to sponsored projects; and record management and retention related to sponsored projects. This key leadership role entails supervisory responsibilities in addition to direct involvement in proposal and award intake and processing, validating administrative information, sponsor code management, electronic record establishment, and intake triage and workflow initiation. The Assistant Director plays a central role in ensuring that the research administration office operates smoothly and in compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
Responsibilities*
Under leadership of the Associate Director, eRA Systems, this position is responsible for the following:
Talent Management and Leadership
- Lead and manage a team of sponsored project coordinators, providing guidance, mentorship, and support - holding the team to a high standard.
- Establish team goals, monitor performance, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
- Foster a collaborative and efficient work environment while ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to team members to ensure consistent and accurate processing of administrative information.
- Identify trends, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Provide data-driven insights to support decision-making within the department.
- Utilize delivered business intelligence reports to monitor accuracy of data management by team and provide training and correction where appropriate.
- Ensure that all sponsored project activities conducted by the team comply with institutional and sponsor guidelines and regulations.
- Stay current with changes in sponsor requirements and research administration best practices.
Administrative Review and Validation of incoming proposals, contracts, awards, and other activities
- Oversee the validation and review of administrative information in proposal, contract, and award records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
- Prepare and submit reports and documentation required by sponsors and regulatory agencies.
- Serve as the escalation point for staff, colleagues and team members to address complex and resolve issues and discrepancies.
Electronic Record Management
- Manage the assignment of sponsor codes to incoming records and establish new sponsor codes when necessary.
- Maintain a comprehensive database of sponsor codes and ensure accurate categorization of sponsors.
- Ensure that electronic records are organized, up-to-date, and easily accessible to authorized personnel.
- Maintain data integrity and security in accordance with institutional policies and regulations.
- Manage ORSP record retention process ensuring prompt disposition of records in accordance with Sponsor terms and University policies.
- Ensure that all records and processes adhere to institutional and regulatory standards.
- Administer campus permissions and user roles to a variety of external sponsor systems including eRA Commons.
Triage and Workflow Coordination
- Monitor incoming activities from email communications and sponsor electronic systems related to sponsored projects.
- Prioritize and triage incoming activities, determining the appropriate workflow and action items.
- Initiate and oversee workflow processes in the electronic system.
Communication and Collaboration
- Serve as a liaison between the sponsored projects coordinator team and project teams and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with team members and cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and four (4) years of directly relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident Status: ORSP deals with export controlled information, the handling of which is regulated by the U.S. Federal Government and access to which is restricted to U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.
- Knowledge of sponsored project administration, research compliance, and regulatory guidelines.
- Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
- Proficiency in using electronic record-keeping systems and office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
Desired Qualifications*
- Working knowledge of U-M's electronic research administration system(s).
- Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g. eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
- Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
- Certification in Research Administration (CRA or CPRA)
Additional Information
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintain the excellence of the University. We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, like the University of Michigan as a whole, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.