Research Administrator

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University seeks a Research Administrator II in its Office of Sponsored Programs to independently manage a broad range of administrative tasks, including reviewing proposals and awards, and negotiating contracts and grants. The role reports to the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in an administrative field or equivalent, at least four years of related experience, and strong Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an administrative area or equivalent.
• Minimum of four years of administrative experience, preferably in research administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Experience creating and manipulating budgets using Microsoft Excel is required.
• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat, Word, Access and PowerPoint is required to be successful.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate, initiate and prepare recommended language for contracts.
• Review and develop budgets to ensure compliance with policies.
• Revise budgets/proposals and prepare transmittal letters and data sheets.
• Develop proposal outlines and assist with electronic proposal preparation and submission.
• Independently perform duties related to research administration and lifecycle management.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Deadline management

Analytical/problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in admin/related

4+ years admin exp (research admin preferred)

Tools

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Word

Access

PowerPoint

Job description

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range

Pay Range $67,000 -$84,000

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S5

FLSA Status

Exempt

Hours

Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type

Full-time

Unionized Position Code

Not Applicable

Job Description

The Office of Sponsored Programs assists all members of the Syracuse University community with the submission of proposals for external support of research, creative, instructional, and service activities. The Research Administrator II performs independently a wide range of administrative tasks in each of the Office of Sponsored Programs primary function areas, including reviewing proposals and awards, and negotiating and preparing contracts and grants, and demonstrates a working knowledge and technical expertise of University and sponsor policies and procedures. This position reports to the Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree and training in an administrative area (management, accounting, finance, technology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of administrative experience, preferably in the field of research administration, required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and manipulating budgets using Microsoft Excel is required.
• Experience with Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft Word, and to a lesser degree Access and PowerPoint, is required to be successful in this position.

Skills and Knowledge

• Working knowledge of the federal regulations that govern University handling of federal grants and cooperative agreements, commonly referred to as the Uniform Guidance.
• Ability to discern the relationship between federal regulations and institutional policy.
• Experience working with proposals and awards from the National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) is preferred.
• Contract negotiation skills with corporate entities and federal agencies is preferred.
• Must be organized and able to manage multiple deadlines in a calm, accurate, and consistent manner.
• Significant analytical and problem-solving skills, with particular attention to detail.
• Positive attitude and aptitude to work effectively and efficiently with faculty and staff in the pursuit of externally sponsored funding to the University.
• Demonstrated prior experience working within higher education sponsored programs offices, academic departments, or similar offices that support externally funded research and scholarly activity is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Negotiates, initiates and prepares recommended language for contracts.
• Reviews and develops the complete range of proposal budgets to ensure that proposals and awards conform to University and sponsor policies.
• Revises budgets and/or proposals as required and assures that all transmittal letters and records, including computer input data sheets, are prepared.
• Develops proposal outlines and assists with and/or processes electronic proposal preparation and submission.
• Independently performs duties which require special analyses as they relate to all facets of research administration, such as sponsored project lifecycle management and closeout.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

EEO Statement

Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.