The University of Rochester is hiring an Assistant Director for the Office for Research & Project Administration (ORPA). You will direct daily administrative tasks for sponsored research, including proposal review, compliance, and contract negotiation, while managing staff and serving as a key liaison between faculty, the University, and funding sponsors. This role is critical to supporting the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better.
What You'll Do
- Direct daily administrative tasks including reviewing proposals for consistency with University policies.
- Help faculty and researchers obtain external support for research and training projects.
- Manage intellectual property related to sponsored projects.
- Work with Federal and private sponsors to ensure compliance with administrative policies and procedures.
- Review, approve, submit, negotiate, and accept sponsored research agreements.
- Manage staff, including hiring, performance reviews, and other personnel actions.
- Facilitate effective management of a diverse portfolio of sponsored research activity, overseeing pre-award and non-financial post-award matters.
- Ensure thorough review of grants, contracts, and subawards for compliance with sponsor and University policies.
- Serve as an authorized signatory on behalf of the University for sponsored projects.
- Negotiate acceptable terms and conditions in all sponsored contracts.
- Interpret federal regulations, sponsor terms and conditions, and University policy regarding sponsored projects.
- Remain current in new and evolving funding agency compliance requirements.
- Analyze and interpret regulatory and contractual requirements for research agreements and clinical trials.
- Maintain communication to educate the University community on federal regulations.
- Maintain close working relationships with senior University Officers, faculty, sponsor officials, and central offices.
- Act as a liaison with federal, state, and local government agencies.
- Represent ORPA in University committee meetings.
- Facilitate development of improvements to policies and procedures.
- Supervise exempt and non-exempt staff, ensuring appropriate training and support.
- Facilitate continual performance management of ORPA staff.
- Ensure effective day-to-day operations including maintaining the IORA system.
- Make recommendations to the AVPRA regarding required resources.
- Act in the role of AVPRA in their absence.
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Extensive experience in sponsored programs administration, preferably in an academic environment
- At least two years of supervisory experience
- Knowledge of sponsored programs compliance and administrative requirements
- Knowledge of University structure, systems, processes, policies and procedures
- Strong organization skills and adept at multi-tasking
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Nice to Have
- MBA or equivalent advanced degree
- CLASP Certification
Technical Stack
- IORA system
Team & Environment
You will supervise a staff comprised of both exempt professionals and non-exempt support staff within the Office for Research & Project Administration, reporting directly to the AVPRA (Assistant Vice President for Research Administration).
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary range: $77,216.00 - $115,824.00
Work Mode
This is a remote position open to candidates living and working in New York State.
The University of Rochester is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
