Executive Director

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The Office of Research Administration (ORA) has a great job opportunity for an Executive Director of Research Administration to work at the University of Miami. The Executive Director, Research Administration (Pre-Award) for the Office of Research Administration provides strategic and administrative oversight for the University’s research mission. The Executive Director, Pre-Award is responsible for all proposal submissions and administrative actions for sponsored program funding prior to award acceptance. Moreover, the Executive Director, Pre-Award evaluates, improves, and monitors the grant and research administration processes and policies to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                          

• Leads the teams responsible for the review, approval and submission of proposals for sponsored awards.
• Acts as liaison to external sources and government agencies to identify and retain funding opportunities.
• Serves as the Authorized Organization Official (AOR) for sponsor systems proposal submissions and other pre-award actions.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with the Office of General Counsel, Office of Tech Transfers, Business Services in addition to local departmental leadership.
• Recruits, trains, mentors, and develops talent and prepares performance reports.
• Recognizes and removes obstacles to organizational effectiveness.
• Evaluates, develops and implements procedures to maximize efficiency, ensure adequate internal controls and improve the faculty experience.
• Monitors external regulatory trends and implements changes by training staff appropriately.
• Drafts and updates policies related to research administration.
• Collaborates with staff and other departments to set clear priorities and develop new procedures to further the University’s research goals and objectives.
• Partners with academic and departmental leadership, and grant/contract staff to facilitate transparent and accountable research administration organization in support of principal investigators and the University’s research mission.
• Provides grants management expertise for the University regarding 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) and the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulations) in relation to pre-award and training operations.
• Coordinates documentation, approval processes, record keeping, data quality assurance, reporting, and liaison activities within the University of Miami (UM) and outside awarding agencies.
• Directs, reviews, and submits proposals, and coordinates the pre-award activities for Federal agencies, industry and private foundations for support of University sponsored programs.
• Monitors for compliance with agency and UM requirements for all pre-award activities.
• Ensures ORA Pre-Award unit performance to ensure compliance with established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Provides training and support to faculty and administration regarding sponsored requirements and best practices.

• Maintains effective relationships with Federal representatives; facilitate communication and effective management of University sponsored awards.
• Provides information to sponsors and UM personnel in a prompt, accurate and cordial fashion.
• Assesses the regulatory impact on internal business processes.
• Accomplishes special projects in support of the Office of Research Administration
• Seeks ways to improve and enhance service delivery.
• Maintains the commitment to continuous evaluation and assessment of organizational effectiveness.
• Supervises Associate Directors and ORA staff to accomplish responsibilities listed above.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                         

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field is required, Master’s degree in Law, Business, or Public Administration is highly preferred.

Certification and Licensing:

Certified Research Professional (CRA) and Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) preferred

Experience:

Minimum 10 years of relevant experience. Prior experience managing staff in a research administration setting. High preference of proven customer service orientation. Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience and/or certifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Thorough knowledge of sponsored program regulations; specific areas of expertise in proposal preparation, contracting accounting, and finance principles.
• Demonstrated leadership, as a leader and manager, in a research administration setting.
• Proficient with research and grant administration software as well as Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated expertise in federal web-based grants management systems and enterprise financial systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Highly numerate with demonstrated excellence in analytic skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Works independently with minimal supervision and respects deadlines.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced and challenging environment and with all levels of institute staff.
• Knowledge of business and management principles.
• Ability to direct, manage, implement, and evaluate department operations.
• Ability to establish department goals, and objectives that support the strategic plan.
• Ability to effectively plan, delegate and/or supervise the work of others.
• Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train others.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

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