College Research Administration Manager at Howard University

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture Join Howard University and thrive with us! https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness BASIC FUNCTION Howard University seeks an experienced College Research Administration Manager to provide comprehensive pre- and post-award research administration support to assigned colleges and departments. The position serves as a primary research administration partner to faculty and college leadership, supporting sponsored projects throughout the lifecycle from proposal development and submission through award management and closeout. The College Research Administration Manager works closely with Principal Investigators (PIs) to translate research plans into compliant and operationally sound proposals and awards; monitors the financial and administrative health of sponsored projects; identifies issues requiring action; and coordinates with the Office of Research and other University offices to facilitate timely resolution. The position requires broad knowledge of research administration, strong financial and analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple sponsored projects and priorities in a complex academic environment. NATURE AND SCOPE The College Research Administration Manager serves as the primary point of contact for pre- and post-award research administration support for assigned departments and colleges. The position has a primary reporting line to the Office of Research for strategic oversight, training, professional standards, and compliance, with a dotted-line reporting relationship to designated college research leadership for alignment with college priorities. The position serves as a bridge between faculty, college administration, and central University offices. The incumbent is responsible for understanding the administrative and financial status of the assigned sponsored-project portfolio, identifying actions needed to support successful project execution, and coordinating those actions through appropriate University processes. The position does not hold institutional signature or sponsor submission authority and does not independently approve financial transactions or corrections requiring separate institutional approval. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES 1. Pre-Award Research Administration · Advise and assist PIs with proposal development, including interpretation of funding opportunities, sponsor requirements, eligibility, deadlines, required documentation, and institutional requirements. · Develop and review proposal budgets and budget justifications, including salary and effort, fringe benefits, facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, participant support, subrecipient costs, cost sharing, and other project expenses. · Coordinate proposal components, institutional approvals, compliance requirements, and subrecipient documentation and ensure proposals are complete and accurate before routing to the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO). · Serve as the primary college-level liaison for proposal development and routing, coordinating with SPO, Research Development, Research Compliance, and other University offices as needed. 2. Award Activation and Ongoing Administration · Review Notices of Award and sponsor terms and conditions and communicate key financial, administrat