Sr. Research Operations Project Manager

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

The Senior Research Operations Project Manager is responsible for overseeing financial and operational projects within the Office of Research (OOR). This role ensures effective financial management of office budgets, supervises accounts, coordinates financial transactions, and leads campus-wide initiatives requiring financial oversight. Additionally, the position involves managing purchases, assisting with position management, and providing guidance and training to colleges on budget and staffing processes for research awards.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

N/A

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include administrators, researchers, faculty, and staff across departments within Howard University. External contacts include vendors, suppliers, and service providers.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Budget and Financial Management:
  Oversee and manage the OOR budget, tracking all financial transactions to ensure proper reconciliation and review. Provide financial analysis to senior leadership, addressing any budgetary concerns or discrepancies.
• Purchasing and Procurement:
  Manage the purchasing of supplies and equipment for the OOR, ensuring all procurement activities follow university policies and obtaining competitive bids and quotes where necessary.
• Position Management:
  Assist with position management activities, including tracking personnel costs and coordinating changes in staff roles to meet office needs.
• Travel Coordination:
  Organize and coordinate travel arrangements for office staff, ensuring compliance with university travel policies and managing travel reimbursements and expense tracking.
• Account Reconciliation:
  Track all accounts within the OOR and ensure proper reconciliation. Identify and resolve discrepancies, working with relevant teams to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Financial Reporting:
  Prepare detailed monthly financial reports for OOR leadership, including budget forecasts and financial summaries, with in-depth analyses of spending trends and areas for potential savings.
• Project Management for Campus Initiatives:
  Act as project manager for campus-wide initiatives requiring financial management, ensuring alignment with university objectives and providing financial leadership for these projects.
• Training on Position Budgeting:
  Provide training to college business managers on proper position budgeting for research awards. This includes ensuring that research awards can hire personnel in a timely manner and that salaries are efficiently charged to the correct grants.

CORE COMPETENCIES:   

• Expertise in budget management, financial transactions, and procurement processes.
• Advanced skills in financial software, including MS Excel, accounting systems, and budgeting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts, track financial details accurately, and provide clear reconciliation reports.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with an emphasis on financial data m