Director of Research Administration

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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 highlight your experiences that directly relate to this position.

With questions about the position or office, please email UMSI's Research Office at [email protected]. For requests for accommodations or support with the application process, please email UMSI Human Resources at [email protected].

Who We Are

The School of Information is a progressive, interdisciplinary professional school that offers five academic programs. UMSI delivers innovative, elegant and ethical solutions connecting people, information and technology. The school was one of the first iSchools in the nation and is the premier institution studying and using technology to improve human computer interactions. Our school mission is to create and share knowledge so that people will use information - with technology - to build a better world.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and Innovation, the Director of Research Administration provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to a dynamic, highly collaborative Research Administration team that supports faculty research at the University of Michigan - School of Information (UMSI).

You will be responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of research administration, including pre- and post-award activities, compliance, research development support, and process improvement. You will partner closely with faculty, school leadership, and central university offices to support and grow UMSI's research portfolio, while ensuring effective, compliant, and service-oriented operations.

Please see the link here for the full job description and responsibilities.

Responsibilities*

  • Lead all research administration functions at UMSI, including pre-award, post-award, compliance, and research support services.
  • Be an active member of the UMSI Management Team and the strategic advisor to school leadership on research operations, growth opportunities, and administrative infrastructure.
  • Establish priorities and direction for the Research Office to support the continued growth and sustainability of UMSI's research portfolio.
  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance, consistency, and operational effectiveness.
  • Oversee and develop a multidisciplinary team of research administration and research development professionals.
     

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, higher education, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, including both pre-award and post-award activities.
  • Demonstrated experience managing grants and contracts across federal, state, and private sponsors, including proposal submission, award management, and compliance.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and institutional policies governing sponsored research.
  • Experience collaborating with or supporting contract and grant negotiations, including working with central offices or sponsors to resolve terms and conditions.
  • Supervisory and management experience, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and team development, with responsibility for at least three or more full-time staff.
  • Experience managing or influencing budgets and resource allocation, including planning and controlling costs.
     

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • Generous time off (Vacation, Holidays, Season Days, Family Leave)
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after 12 months of eligible service, with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Tuition support program
     

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This is a hybrid position. You will coordinate your schedule with your supervisor in accordance with school policy. You may be required to travel to multiple locations on and off campus. The main office workspace for this position is located in the Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building. Punctual and regular attendance is required. You will be required to work during non-business hours and on weekends based on the requirements for your position. 

Additional Information

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Provide leadership to 5 FTE, including 4 direct reports.

Salary Information
The salary range for this position is $125,000 to $136,000. Salary is determined by direct relevant experience and demonstrated past performance results while ensuring equity on our team. While rare, we may offer a salary above the posted range for an exceptionally qualified candidate, considering internal equity and budget. All candidates are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor alignment and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

This position may work with and/or support systems that maintain or process sensitive institutional data as defined by university policy. Successful candidates must comply with federal, state, and local law, and/or university policies or agreements that require the university to implement specific privacy and security safeguards, including but not limited to ITAR, EAR, HIPAA, FERPA, and FISMA. This position is responsible for protecting data and information from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; and following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files and release of data internally or externally to the University of Michigan.

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.