Director, Research Administrator

asu; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 121,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Arizona State University is seeking an Administrative Operations Manager to lead and evaluate budget, operations, and programs across multiple departments. You will provide financial analysis, strategic planning, and staff administration while ensuring compliance with university policies.

The role emphasizes leadership, collaboration with university leadership, and responsibility for budgetary controls and reporting. A strong background in research administration is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 9 years of experience including 5 years in a managerial role.
• Equivalents in experience and training may substitute for the degree as long as comparable knowledge and abilities are demonstrated.
• Experience in budgeting, operations, and strategic planning is required.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee departmental operations aligned with university goals.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategies and budgets.
• Establish and improve policies, procedures, and workflows for efficiency.
• Collaborate with leadership to define staffing and resource needs.
• Lead financial reporting and administrative dashboards to support decisions.
• Coordinate pre- and post-award activities with research offices.
• Mentor staff and provide performance feedback and development opportunities.
• Represent the department on internal and external committees.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Staff management

Financial analysis

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERA systems

Job description

Job Profile:

Administrative Operations Manager 4

Job Family:

Administrative Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:

Administers and evaluates all business and administrative matters including budget, operations, and programs and personnel administration within several departments. Provides financial analysis and strategic planning as well as oversees the budgetary controls.

Position Salary:

$134,000 per year

Essential Duties:

Leadership & Administration

• Direct and oversee all departmental operations, ensuring alignment with university mission, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and implement short- and long-term strategies, objectives, and operational plans.
• Establish, maintain, and improve departmental policies, procedures, and workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve operational issues; implement process improvements.
• Collaborate with university leadership and stakeholders to define infrastructure, staffing, and resource needs.
• Represent the university on internal and external committees, boards, and professional organizations.
• Serve as liaison with faculty, administrators, external agencies, and advisory groups.
• Prepare and present reports, analyses, and correspondence to support decision-making and accountability.

Staff Management

• Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate research administration staff directly or through subordinate managers.
• Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Address personnel matters, including corrective actions and disciplinary decisions as needed.

Financial & Strategic Oversight

• Develop and manage departmental budgets; monitor expenditures to ensure effective use of resources.
• Partner with leadership on budget planning, forecasting, and financial decision-making.
• Lead preparation of administrative and financial reports.
• Contribute to strategic planning and execution at the department and college level.
• Collaborate with business services in financial forecasting and reporting for sponsored and non-sponsored funds.

Research Administration Leadership

• Serve as subject matter expert on research administration policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with ORSPA and ASUF on pre- and post-award activities.
• Support high-level strategic initiatives related to research development and administration.
• Design college pre/post-award frameworks, including cross-unit service models and digital infrastructure.
• Develop and mentor future research administration leaders.

Pre-Award Administration

• Oversee and support proposal development processes, including: Interpreting funding announcements and sponsor requirements.
• Assisting with proposal planning, budget development, project personnel, and justification.
• Ensuring compliance with sponsor, university, and regulatory guidelines.
• Manage internal proposal routing and submission through ERA systems.
• Conduct administrative reviews to ensure completeness and compliance prior to submission.
• Coordinate with KE Research Operations and ORSPA for submission and award negotiation support.
• Facilitate communication with investigators, subrecipients, and sponsors.
• Identify and disseminate funding opportunities to researchers.
• Establish processes for effective transition from pre-award to post-award activities.

Post-Award Administration

• Oversee award management processes, including: Award setup, transactions, and change requests.
• Financial monitoring & forecasting, reconciliations, and compliance tracking.
• Reporting, record retention, and award closeout.
• Provide guidance to investigators and staff on award terms, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Resolve administrative, personnel, and financial issues related to sponsored projects.
• Support renewals, reporting requirements, and ongoing award compliance.

Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of research administration, budgeting, and strategic planning principles.
• Strong leadership, supervision, and staff development skills.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication skills.
• Experience with program development and data analysis.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across stakeholder groups.

Working Environment:

Activities are performed in an environmen