Summary:

The Center for Veterans Research and Education (CVRE), whose mission is helping to support

innovative research and education initiatives that improve the health and well-being of Veterans, is

seeking a Research Administrator level II.

Position Description:

The Research Administrator II (RAII) works under minimal supervision to focus on post-award management activities on grants and contracts, both routine and complex.  The RAII will independently provide comprehensive post-award services to Principal Investigators (PIs) and will maintain internal post-award processes, including accurate qualitative and financial data input and data maintenance. This position will report to the Grants Administration Manager.

Functions of this position shall be performed in fulfillment of CVRE’s values, utilizing continuous improvements in processes, policies, and procedures to nurture an environment which fosters service to our customers and administrative excellence.

Responsibilities:

Major duties and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

• Issue, monitor, and amend sub-agreements and personnel agreements
• Review account set ups (new and amendments) and highlight specific items required in post-award.
• Review files for post award after hand-off from pre-award
• Liaise between PI and sponsor or subrecipients to obtain needed approvals
• Review and approve requisitions/purchase orders and personnel requests assuring availability of funds and appropriateness expenditures in accordance with sponsor, CVRE and VA policies and regulations
• Interpret sponsor requirements and incorporate with understanding of VA and CVRE policies
• Prepare timely submission of scientific and financial progress reports to sponsors
• Implement internal compliance requirements, including VA compliance
• Set up new budgets as needed
• Monitor spending on an ongoing and regular basis
• Prepare projections and forecasts identifying any areas needing update
• Monitor effort certification for accuracy and timeliness
• Perform timely account maintenance duties including budget and or other data entries, file maintenance, and account closeout.
• Communicate status updates and workflow needs intra- and inter-departmentally
• Communicate with PIs monthly or more frequently as needed to review PI portfolio including:
  • Monthly expenses
  • Projections
  • Effort
  • Reporting requirements
• Contribute and help maintain Standard Operating Procedures for department and position
• Assist in pre-award functions as needed
• Work on special projects as assigned
• The RA II may be assigned a lead role in moderate complex work groups.

·         Review, understand and be able to communicate the need for sponsor’s prior approval processes

·         Review monthly PI statements

·         Participate in department activities and process improvement activities as appropriate

·         Maintain internal processes, including accurate qualitative and financial data input and data maintenance

Applicant must include a cover letter

Requirements and Qualifications:

        Education:   

Required:            Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Preferred:           Master’s degree or equivalent experience in business, accounting, or research administration or a related field 

        Licensure/Registration/Certification: CRA Certification desired

Experience:

        Required:

• 3-5 years’ experience in research administration/grants management in an academic, academic medical center or research office setting involving interactions with individuals at all levels
• experience providing high level of customer service
• 2-4 years directly related post-award departmental or central research administration/grants management experience
• Experience working in a professional research environment and demonstrating professional behavior

Preferred:

• 3-5 years directly related post-award departmental or central research administration/grants management experience in an academic, academic medical center or research office setting
• Experience with more complex federal awards such as NIH and DoD

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

Required:

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and non-federal Research Administration/Grants Management in a Post-award setting
• Working knowledge of sponsored research-related compliance and guidance regulations including OMB Circulars (UG), FAR Clauses, and NIH Grants Policy Statement
• Working knowledge of Federal Reports including FSRs, RPPRs, and Other Support
• Working knowledge of account set up and closeouts
• Working knowledge of federal and non-federal research administration/grants management
• Working knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures within industry sponsored research
• Demonstrated ability to:
  • •work independently, proactively and flexibly
  • •create, review, analyze and interpret financial project reports of moderate scope and complexity
  • •utilize spreadsheet and database software for financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports
  • •utilize financial spreadsheet functions including formulas, pivot tables, and v-lookup
  • •create and follow written and verbal instructions
  • •manage multiple priorities and prioritize competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
  • •effectively balance customer service with regulatory compliance and ensure CVRE remains compliant with all terms and conditions of awards
  • •communicate and work effectively and collegially in a team environment
  • •communicate effectively and efficiently in writing and verbally
  • •work with both detailed and broad guidance, seeking out answers using available resources and synthesize/ communicate information to team and customers
  • •analyze complex and/or ambiguous situations, identify workable solutions and the potential outcomes, and implement the final solution
  • •be proactive and flexible and demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated commitment to excellence in customer service and performance

Conditions of Employment:

• Subject to a criminal and educational background check.
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.
• Typical hours fall within standard business hours, work may be required during hours beyond standard business hours, including weekends.
• Must be a US citizen.

  Physical Requirements:  The employee must be able to navigate the medical center, use a keyboard, and lift 25 lbs.  Reasonable accommodation may be considered in determining an applicant’s ability to perform the duties/functions of the position.