Research Services Administrator

University of South Florida in; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Tuition assistance

Generous leave

Job summary

University of South Florida seeks a Research Services Administrator (Finance) to support administrative functions across multiple units within USF Research. You will manage events, travel, budgets, and reporting while developing communications and overseeing special projects.

The role requires applying university policies and supporting faculty, staff and students with discretion in a fast-paced research environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or Bachelor's with two years of administrative experience.
• Four additional years of directly relevant administrative experience may substitute for the bachelor's degree.

Responsibilities

• Supports administrative functions of three units within the department.
• Researches and recommends new programs or revisions to existing programs.
• Establishes and maintains program standards and eligibility requirements.
• Supports events, travel, budget management and reporting.
• Develops written communications and administers special projects.

Education

Master's degree in an appropriate field

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field

Job description

Research Services Administrator (Finance)

The position of Research Services Administrator reports to the Director of Advanced Recognition & Engagement within the Office of the Vice President for USF Research, and is responsible for supporting the administrative functions of three units within the department, which includes Faculty Honors, the Institute for Advanced Discovery & Innovation, and the NSF I-Corps Hub: Southeast @ University of South Florida. Responsibilities include a broad range of administrative duties supporting research, including such matters as researching and recommending new programs and/or revisions to existing programs, establishing and maintaining program standards and eligibility requirements, supporting events, travel and budget management and reporting, developing written communications, and administering other special projects in support of significant long-term and short-term division objectives. This position must maintain extensive knowledge of university, vice presidential area, and departmental policies and procedures, and be able to interpret and apply them to support faculty, staff, and student clients. This administrative and analytical work is directly related to the research mission of the university, requiring the application of discretion and judgment on matters of significance.

Minimum Qualifications

This position requires a master's degree in an appropriate field of study, or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate field and two years of experience in administrative services. Four additional years of directly relevant and progressively responsible administrative experience may be substituted for the bachelor's degree.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.

• SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
• A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of direct experience required, not to exceed: (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
• Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
• Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Additional Information for Applicants

Additional Information for Applicants: This position requires a Level I background check.

Hiring salary range: $43,888 - $54,944, commensurate with experience.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract. The primary job responsibilities:

• Manages the budget for the five programs comprising the Office of Advanced Recognition & Engagement: Faculty Honors, the Institute for Advanced Discovery & Innovation, Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, IGNITE, and the NSF I-Corps Hub: Southeast @ USF Server as a liaison to the Research Operations Finance team for travel and purchasing processes. (40%)
• Serves as the primary steward of FIHF's CRM and data systems, ensuring accurate information related to partners, inductees, donors, and stakeholders. (20%)
• Supports FIHF's advancement and revenue-generating efforts by assisting with sponsorship pipeline development, donor tracking, and stewardship activities. (15%)
• Dedicated administrative support for the NSF I-Corps Hub: Southeast @ University of South Florida, including operational support/logistics, project tracking/documentation, stakeholder communication, travel and expense
• Provides administrative support for departmental events and outreach. (10%)
• Performs other duties as assigned.