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
 

The Research Administration Consultant will rotate between URA teams based on need, to fill short-term vacancies or to provide the department with assistance based on needs and special projects. This position may also provide support for large scale proposal submissions as well providing additional capacity during heavy proposal deadlines and peak reporting periods. The Consultant will assist assigned teams, staff, faculty, or researchers in any aspect of pre- and 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.

The job 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.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a lead team member throughout the research administration life-cycles as needed on various teams within URA.

• Prioritize work in order to complete assignments on a timely basis. 

• Partner with URA colleagues and business units/departments regarding all activities associated with research administration in a timely and fiscally responsible manner. 

• Gain and maintain thorough understanding of University and Sponsor.

• Read and interpret a request for proposal (RFP) and advise faculty and departmental administrators on a compliant and successful submission.

• Provide pre-award/proposal review for assigned campus units. Review applications to ensure - compliance with agency and institutional guidelines, regulations, and policies.

• Provides input to ensure consistency, equitable workloads, and provides staff assistance and coverage as needed as activity grows.

• Provides additional support for large, complex proposals to any department or unit to increase consistency and expertise in the application process.

• Distribute awards through the AURA grants management system, establish accounts in the financial system and update records as necessary.

• Process all Award Modification Requests (AMRs) and continuations (MODs) in AURA.

• Direct preparation of, monitor and approve sponsor required fiscal and administrative reports. Prepare and/or review billing reports and request invoices as appropriate. 

• Complete/review and approve back-up documentation as necessary prior to submission of reports. 

• Review and approve cost transfers.

• Partner 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. 

• Update budgets in AURA based on awarded amounts and work directly with academic departments for necessary budget revisions, create accounts in ACCTS and FAS, intake and process all amendments and modifications.

• Manage all close-out activities for sponsored projects, coordinating efforts between the PI, department/unit, and Sponsor. 

• Manage and/or coordinate project transfers and closeouts when a faculty member leaves the University. 

• Communicate and collaborate with university departments/units to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full life cycle. 

• Review a sponsored award agreement, determine the type of award, payment terms, reporting requirements, budget limitations, and establish/closeout accordingly per university and sponsor guidelines.

• Interpret sponsor policy, procedures and guidelines to advise faculty, staff, and students accordingly. Escalate issues as necessary within the office of University Research Administration.