Part-Time Research Administration Consultant

Department
 

Provost URA: Research Compliance

About the Department
 

University Research Administration (URA) has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.

Job Summary
 

This is a part-time, fixed-term position, with an appointment of up to one-year. At the conclusion of the one-year period of this appointment, there may be an opportunity to extend the appointment or for URA to hire the Research Administration Consultant into a full-time position, however, neither is guaranteed, and both would be subject to review and approval at the conclusion of the initial term of the appointment.

The Research Administration Consultant will support URA Post-Award teams based on need, to fill short-term vacancies or to provide the department with assistance based on needs and special projects. The Consultant will assist assigned teams, staff, faculty, or researchers in any aspect of post-award grant management support. The Consultant will perform multiple diverse and complex research administration duties while ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations, University policy, and departmental procedures, with a focus on customer service. The individual must be able to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast paced, high-volume, deadline-driven environment.

This position uses best practices and knowledge of activities to support the functional areas of University Research Administration. Supports research, training, and other sponsored activities at the University, building upon knowledge of the University, processes, and customers. Assists in the development of research compliance education programs.

Additionally, this role requires in-depth knowledge and experience. Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external University issues to improve products or services. Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions. Works independently, receives minimal guidance. Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a lead team member throughout the research administration life-cycles as needed on various teams within URA.
• Prioritizes work in order to complete assignments on a timely basis. 
• Partners with URA colleagues and business units/departments regarding all activities associated with research administration in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. 
• Gains and maintains thorough understanding of University and sponsor.
• Provides input to ensure consistency and equitable workloads, and provides staff assistance and coverage as needed as activity grows.
• Distributes awards through the AURA grants management system, establishes accounts in the financial system and updates records as necessary.
• Processes all Award Modification Requests (AMRs) and continuations (MODs) in AURA.
• Directs preparation of, monitors and approves sponsor-required fiscal and administrative reports. Prepares and/or reviews billing reports and requests invoices as appropriate. 
• Completes/reviews and approves back-up documentation as necessary prior to submission of reports. 
• Reviews and approves cost transfers.
• Partners with business units/departments to monitor post-award activities (grants management), such as submitting progress reports (RPPRs); requests for no-cost extensions; obtaining sponsor approvals for major changes to project workscope or major changes to anticipated expenditures, etc. 
• Updates budgets in AURA based on awarded amounts and works directly with academic departments for necessary budget revisions, creates accounts in ACCTS and FAS, intakes and processes all amendments and modifications.
• Manages all close-out activities for sponsored projects, coordinating efforts between the PI, department/unit, and sponsor. 
• Manages and/or coordinates project transfers and closeouts when a faculty member leaves the University. 
• Communicates and collaborates with University departments/units to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full life cycle. 
• Reviews a sponsored award agreement; determines the type of award, payment terms, reporting requirements, budget limitations; and establishes/closeout accordingly per University and sponsor guidelines.
• Interprets sponsor policy, procedures and guidelines to advise faculty, staff, and students accordingly. Escal