Research Administration Director – Friedman School

SRA International; Medford (MA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 211,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Community engagement

Job summary

A leading institution in nutrition education seeks a Research Administration Director to provide strategic leadership in sponsored project administration. This role involves managing a team, overseeing project proposals, and ensuring compliance with federal grants. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree and considerable experience in research administration. The position is based in Medford, Massachusetts, offering a pay range from $141,000 to $211,500 based on experience and equity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• 5+ years of supervisory and management experience.
• Expertise in pre-award electronic application processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for sponsored project administration.
• Develop and implement internal policies for award management.
• Oversee fiscal management of sponsored projects.

Skills

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Trust instillation

Conflict navigation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Electronic grants management systems

Job description

Research Administration Director – Friedman School

Overview

As the only graduate school of nutrition in North America, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy provides cutting‑edge research and education—from individuals to food systems, and from genetics to policy. Read about our pledge to inclusive excellence, celebrate our wins with us, and explore our goals.

You’ll be joining a leading institution for evidence‑based nutrition education, research, and public impact.

Our employee benefits will make you feel welcome at Tufts, and our strong sense of community will make you want to stay.

If you are a team player and passionate about your work, we want you to read further.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the school’s research mission by ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and fostering collaboration across departments and university offices.

What You’ll Do

The Research Administration Director reports to the Executive Administrative Dean of the Friedman School and leads the Office of Sponsored Research Administration (SRA). This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for sponsored project administration (pre‑ and post‑award), partnering with school leadership, faculty, department managers, and central Tufts research offices such as the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR). The Director ensures efficient research administration infrastructure, manages RA staff, and serves as a key resource for faculty and staff throughout the sponsored project lifecycle—from funding search to financial compliance—using systems like RAS.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for sponsored project administration aligned with university‑wide principles.
• Draft and review internal policies; define school‑level policies, procedures, and tools for pre‑ and post‑award management.
• Participate in pilot initiatives and support implementation of new university‑wide systems.
• Assess and optimize RA resources to ensure efficient workflows and adequate coverage.
• Manage RA staff: define roles, onboard new hires, set goals, coach, mentor, and provide career development opportunities.
• Provide portfolio backstopping as needed.
• Oversee proposal development and submission; approve costs/rates and cost share; track submissions and awards; devise strategies to grow and diversify funding.
• Facilitate complex proposals and awards, including multi‑department and multi‑school initiatives.
• Oversee fiscal management of sponsored projects; assess synergies with Tufts Support Services (TSS) and Budget Center.
• Serve as the primary resource for resolving complex pre‑ and post‑award issues; identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.

What We’re Looking For

• Manage complexity and solve problems effectively.
• Collaborate across teams and departments.
• Instill trust with direct reports and colleagues.
• Navigate conflict constructively.
• Lead work through direction, delegation, and problem‑solving.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• At least 5 years of seasoned supervisory and management experience.
• Knowledge and experience with international program administration and oversight.
• Expertise in both pre‑award electronic application processes and post‑award financial management.
• Proven ability to manage compliance with federal government grants and contracts; interpret and apply university and sponsor policies and procedures.
• Experience with electronic grants management systems and enterprise research administration systems.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet research tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Tufts systems and processes.
• Experience in institutional policy development.

Pay Range

Minimum $141,000.00, Midpoint $176,300.00, Maximum $211,500.00.

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, applicants should apply online and include 1.) A resume, 2.) A cover letter addressing your interest in this role, your research administration expertise, management experience, and leadership style.

Background Check Requirement

An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire, promotion, or transfer.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tufts University is an equal opportunity employer.