Summary

The Senior Manager, Research Administration provides strategic leadership and oversight for research administration functions, including financial management, compliance, education, and operational excellence. This role ensures institutional alignment with regulatory standards, drives process improvements, and fosters collaboration across divisions to support Pediatric research initiatives. Responsible for advanced financial oversight, policy development, and strategic planning for the Center for Research Advancement. Oversees multiple teams and ensures compliance with institutional and federal regulations. Serves a Department leader for the College's research mandated processes and initiatives.  This role reports to the Director, Research Administration and has approximately 4 direct reports.

This role is eligible for hybrid work schedule upon completion of training.

Employees with CRA certification are eligible for certification pay.

Job Duties

• Provide strategic leadership for the Center for Research Advancement (CRA) grants management team, which oversees grant administration and compliance across multiple pediatric divisions.
• Oversee staff assignments and workload by assigning and tracking grant administration tasks such as PI meetings, study reconciliation, and effort reporting, ensuring timely submission and adherence to internal policies.
• Develop and implement policies to ensure research compliance and financial integrity.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting for CRA-supported research projects.
• Negotiate complex agreements with industry sponsors and external partners.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
• Create, implement, and regularly update comprehensive SOPs for grant administration staff to ensure consistency, compliance, and efficiency in pre- and post-award processes.
• Ensure adhereance to federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Provide organizational leadership to staff, including training and guidance on regulations and best practices.
• Monitor and interpret changes in federal regulations, agency guidelines, and compliance standards related to research grants and clinical trials.
• Ensure departmental policies and procedures reflect the latest requirements from agencies such as NIH, FDA, and other governing bodies.
• Communicate updates to internal stakeholders and provide training to staff on new compliance obligations. 
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align departmental goals with institutional vision.
• Change Management: Drive organizational change and continuous improvement.
• Communication: Deliver clear, concise, and persuasive messages to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Foster partnerships across internal and external stakeholders.
• Decision-Making: Make informed, timely decisions under complex conditions.
• Talent Development: Mentor and assist staff with their career development. 
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.  Certified Research Administrator certification through the Research Administrators Certification Council (RACC) may substitute for the degree requirement.
• Five years of relevant experience.

Department Specific Criteria

• Advance training in research compliance and financial management.
• Prior expereince in research administration, grants management and/or clinical trails oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex projects.
• Strong background in federal grant compliance (NIH, FDA, etc.) and institutional policy development. 
• Microsoft Excel Proficiency – Advanced skills in formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis for financial reporting and forecasting.
• SAP and Financial Systems Expertise – Ability to navigate enterprise resource planning systems for budgeting and reconciliation.
• Clinical Trial Management System (CTMS) Knowledge – Familiarity with tools for tracking research budgets, billing, and compliance.
• Data Analysis and Reporting – Ability to interpret complex datasets and present actionable insights to leadership.
• Project Management -  Ability to oversee multiple projects and timelines, effectively manage staff assignments, workload, and performance. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Accounting or Finance or related field.
• Certified Research Administrator throught the Research Administration Council (RACC) or Certified Public Accontant is highly desired.