Research Administrator

Research Administrator

As part of the College's research administration team, The Research Administrator plays an important role in supporting faculty and ensuring the effective management of sponsored projects. The position provides financial and administrative support throughout the full award lifecycle, from proposal development and submission through award management, reporting, and closeout. By partnering with faculty and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure sponsored projects are managed effectively and in compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.

Proposal Development and Submission: Prepare, compile, and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty through NC State University systems, including RED, and sponsor electronic submission portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and EEREExchange. Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop proposal budgets, budget justifications, and other required documents in accordance with university and sponsor requirements. Create and maintain RED records for faculty and coordinate with campus offices to facilitate timely and accurate proposal submissions. Provide guidance and training to faculty within the assigned portfolio regarding NC State business processes and requirements for proposal development and submission. Review proposal documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable university and sponsor guidelines. Serve as a resource to faculty throughout the proposal process, identifying potential issues and coordinating resolutions with appropriate university offices.

Award Management: Manage an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects by monitoring financial activity, expenditures, budgets, and projections and providing Principal Investigators (PIs) with timely information to support effective project and financial decision-making. Provide financial guidance and oversight by applying accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and university policies to budgeting, forecasting, personnel expenses, cost allocations, and other fiscal activities. Partner with PIs throughout the award lifecycle by conducting regular financial reviews, discussing project spending and future plans, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to keep projects on track. Coordinate award modifications and approvals by preparing and managing project modification requests, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, changes in PI, equipment purchases, travel, pre-award costs, and other actions requiring university or sponsor approval. Manage subcontracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, including setup, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and closeout, while coordinating with PIs, university offices, and sponsoring agencies as needed. Ensure financial and regulatory compliance by monitoring sponsored project activity, reviewing personnel and financial expenditures, supporting effort certification, and addressing issues in accordance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements. Coordinate sponsored project closeout by resolving outstanding financial and administrative matters, completing final reconciliations, obtaining required approvals, maintaining project records, and coordinating timely submission of final reports and documentation.

Grant Reporting: Provide financial reports, budget analysis, and consultation to PIs to support effective fiscal management of sponsored projects. Assist PIs and project teams with sponsor-required financial and progress reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and submitted by established deadlines. Monitor and manage cost-share commitments and reporting, including maintaining appropriate supporting documentation and ensuring expenditures are accurately tracked and reported. Reconcile project financial activity and provide supporting documentation for sponsor and university reporting requirements. Respond to questions from faculty and project stakeholders regarding project financial status, reporting requirements, and allowable expenditures. Maintain accurate and complete financial records and documentation to support reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.

Other Responsibilities: In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department's operations.

Qualifications: Minimum Education and Experience - Minimum Experience/Education Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis. Other Required Qualifications - Previous experience in contracts and grants administration. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based financial management systems. Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning and financial management. Experience researching and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements to assess and resolve complex issues using professional judgment. Organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications: One or more years of university experience in Contracts and Grants administration. Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RED, Grants.gov, and NSF FastLane. Experience with university research administration, including pre-award, post-award, and sponsored project closeout processes. Knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, federal financial requirements, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or active pursuit of the certification.