College Research Administration 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

BASIC FUNCTION:

Howard University seeks a dynamic and skilled College Research Administration Manager to oversee research administration activities within assigned colleges. This hybrid reporting role is pivotal to advancing the university’s R1 research mission by ensuring compliance, enhancing research productivity, and maintaining efficient workflows. The manager will handle pre- and post-award responsibilities, working collaboratively with the Office of Research, college leadership, Principal Investigators (PIs), and other stakeholders.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Serve as the primary POC for all assigned departments within the college for pre-award and post-award support. This position has a primary reporting line to the Office of Research for strategic oversight, training, and compliance. A dotted-line reporting relationship with the Associate Dean for Research allows for alignment with the day-to-day priorities of the assigned college. The incumbent will serve as a bridge between central oversight and college-specific needs, ensuring the success of research activities across the institution. External contacts include representatives from the federal government, other colleges and universities, professional associations, consultants, vendors, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Pre-Award Management

• Guide PIs in preparing and submitting grant proposals, including budgets, narratives, and compliance documentation.

• Serve as the primary liaison for grant submissions to central research offices and funding agencies.

• Review and approve proposals for adherence to university, federal, and sponsor guidelines.

Post-Award Management

• Oversee grant account setups, cost distributions, and personnel appointments on awarded projects.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and university policies regarding allowable costs, effort reporting, and project amendments.

• Monitor project budgets and expenditures, providing timely financial reports and projections.

Compliance and Reporting

• Facilitate the preparation and submission of internal and external reports, including progress, compliance, and financial reports.

• Collaborate with university compliance offices to address regulatory requirements and audit findings.

Training and Development

• Conduct training sessions for PIs, departmental staff, and other stakeholders on research administration policies and systems.

• Participate in university-wide discussions on process improvement and best practices in research administration.

Collaboration and Oversight

• Work with the Associate Dean for Research to align daily operations with college priorities.

• Maintain active collaboration with the Office of Research to ensure consistent training, compliance, and professional development across colleges.

• Act as a resource for faculty and staff in navigating research administration challenges

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Experience in effective multi-tasking in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with a high degree of accuracy and organization, strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a busy, high-volume, and deadline-driven work team environment that requires coordination of multiple activities and the judgment and flexibility to reprioritize to accommodate emergency request.

• Must be able to speak confidently when communicating with investigators and internal and external research stakeholders, excellent customer service skills, and outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Incumbents must be able to write and interpret technical contract language, understand its implications, and effectively communicate with and serve as liaisons between granting agencies, University administration, and the principal investigators. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BA, BBA, or BS (foreign equivalent or higher) in Business, Finance, Accounting, or other related fields and 5 years of professional experience in research administration.

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

• Advanced knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing sponsored research, including Uniform Guidance and FAR clauses.

• Excellent communication skills, including conveying complex concepts to non-specialist audiences.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse, Workday).

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description cannot be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Pay Range: $90,909 - $100,000