Manager, Research Administration- Engineering

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Manager, Research Administration- Engineering at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Manage the Research Services team in administering a full range of sponsored program pre and post award activities and operations for the College of Engineering.  Represent the College with University stakeholders such as the Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) and Development and Alumni Affairs as well as external agencies that provide grant and contract funding. Provide services and support to faculty and staff, in monitoring and fulfilling the obligations of both internally and externally funded grants and contracts, to stay within budget, and to ensure compliance of the awards. Serve as the primary technical and administrative resource for pre and post award activities within the College. Reports to the Associate Dean for Research.

Plan, develop, implement, and manage sponsored pre and post award activities for the College of Engineering. Lead College’s Research Administration team in providing streamlined and effective administrative services and support for sponsored funding activities and operations. Evaluate effectiveness of current systems and services. Assist Associate Dean for Research with formulating policies, procedures, and processes to improve research operations of the college. Develop and implement related changes or adjustments. Conduct cost/benefit analysis especially pertaining to cost sharing of research projects.

Supervise professional staff and operations of Research Administration unit. Provide direction on methods and procedures. Manage and oversee workflow, plan, and manage performance, provide coaching, mentoring and professional development.  Manage personnel activities (hiring, salary changes, etc.) and financial activities (expense reimbursements, team supplies, etc.) for unit.

Oversee compliance of pre and post award policies and procedures. Assist, monitor, process and review in a timely manner cost sharing submissions, cost share accounts, accounts in suspense, change in labor distribution and redistribution, P.I. effort reporting and close-out documents for sponsored projects and industry related grants and contracts. Perform audits on grants/contracts to ensure administrators are performing adequate account reconciliations and complying with award. Work collaboratively with Business Affairs Director and team to assist in transfers of grants to/from WSU or transition of PI.  Oversee asset inventory process for grants. Verify deficits in a timely manner and assist with clearing to an appropriate index. Identify grants in their late stages to ensure funds have been efficiently utilized and remain within budget. Take corrective actions if necessary.

Lead development and implementation of research tools, resources, processes, and policy manuals for the college. Train faculty and staff (Sr Grant/Contract Administrators, department administrators, primary investigators, etc.) in appropriate methods and procedures pertaining to grant and contract pre/post award management. Make presentations and develop tools and manuals to advance stakeholder expertise. Conduct needs assessments and adjust or update topics and materials to remain aligned with needs and activities of the College.

Lead team in providing College stakeholders with ad hoc and regular reports and information on grant proposals and funded grant activities. Maintain related databases, records, and materials for the College. Prepare a wide variety of statistical and administrative reports and analysis, summaries, surveys, and questionnaires regarding sponsored program activities.
Serve as college-wide resource by providing information and guidance on appropriate use of sponsored project funds. Serve as primary liaison between principal investigators and SPA to identify and resolve problems and answer inquiries regarding university or funding agency guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Attend conferences, workshops and informational development seminars and keep abreast of current trends and practices pertaining to post award administration. Serve on school and University-wide committees and meetings. Hold grant staff/stakeholder meetings and provide timely communications regarding sponsored program activities.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education   Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Experience   Specialist (minimum 5 years of job-related experience)

Minimum of 2-3 years of experience related to grant and contract pre and post award activities and oversight in a higher education setting, preferably in a Dean's Office or large research-based department.

Demonstrated experience in training others in appropriate sponsored program administration methods and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Project Management: Ability to independently manage a variety of projects while ensuring appropriate tracking, quality control, follow-up, and multiple deadlines. Strong time management.

Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing. Strong presentation and training skills. Ability to interact and articulate sensitively with students, faculty, staff, and administrators in a multicultural and diverse community. Ability to build and maintain professional relations and networking with external agencies and officials, as well.

Technical/Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office tools including, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint. Experience using online meeting platforms such as Teams and Zoom. Knowledge of Banner, COGNOS, WSU Researcher Dashboard and other sponsored programming-related systems and applications. Knowledge of NSF and NIH grant administration protocols and systems preferred.
Planning and Organizational Skills: Able to develop strategies to achieve organizational goals. Demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking. Able to prioritize and plan work activities, and quickly adapt to changing priorities. Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Supervisory skills: Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and ensure deadlines are being met. Knowledgeable in policy administration and compliance. Strong mentoring and coaching skills. Demonstrated success in training staff in methods and procedures. Ability to foster teamwork and collaboration among staff members.

Leadership skills: Ability to lead and influence subordinates and peers, make complex decisions, function with integrity, and demonstrate sound judgement. Demonstrated strategic thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret and analyze financial reports or other quantitative reports and compile data, if necessary, in clear and concise format for management decision making.

Problem-solving skills: Develops alternative approaches and ideas. Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Ability to creatively address issues and find workable and effective solutions.

H05 - College of Engineering

H0501 - Deans Office Engineering

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

• Normal office environment.

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.