How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and highlight your experiences that directly relate to this position.
With questions about the position or office please email UMSI's Office of Research at [email protected], for requests for accommodations or support with the application process please email UMSI Human Resources at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Research Administration will join a dynamic and collaborative team dedicated to supporting faculty research. Reporting to the Director of Research Administration, you will:
- Coordinate and facilitate a comprehensive suite of programs to support faculty in all aspects of research administration, with a focus on pre-award activities.
- Oversee proposal development and submission processes, ensuring compliance with institutional and sponsor guidelines.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to research administration staff, encouraging their professional development and ensuring performance.
- Collaborate with faculty and institutional partners to identify funding opportunities and improve research support services.
- Contribute to strategic planning and process improvements within the Research Administration team.
You will play a vital part in advancing faculty research success and fostering a culture of collaboration and compliance.
Who We Are
The School of Information is a progressive, interdisciplinary professional school that offers five academic programs. UMSI delivers innovative, elegant and ethical solutions connecting people, information and technology. The school was one of the first iSchools in the nation and is the premier institution studying and using technology to improve human computer interactions. Our school mission is to create and share knowledge so that people will use information - with technology - to build a better world.
UMSI Office of Research provides expertise in the compliance, administrative requirements, and best practices throughout the grant lifecycle. Our support allows researchers to primarily concentrate on the science and still be excellent stewards of sponsored funds and outcomes. These activities start with strategic, proactive, catalytic, and capacity-building activities early in the lifecycle and continue through the submission, management, and closeout of awards. The office serves as a hub for research-related questions and for navigating research activities at the University.
Responsibilities*
As Assistant Director, you will
- Work with the director to manage daily operations.
- Contribute to the leadership and vision, producing, managing, and implementing plans and goals for the office to deliver comprehensive pre-award administration services.
- As part of the daily operations, manage the school's pre-award activities to ensure that proposal submissions are distributed across the team for submission of proposals with appropriate approvals; serve as backup to the Director of Research Administration for UMSI's post-award activities.
- Oversee one team member and provide mentoring for all staff in the research office by demonstrating proficient knowledge of and helping others understand principles, standards, technologies, and procedures.
- Manage the processes related to Unfunded Agreements, including intake, unit review, routing, and tracking.
- Work with the Director of Research Administration to ensure adherence to research-related compliance requirements.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- 7 or more years of relevant research administration experience or higher-level financial activities.
- In-depth knowledge of sponsors and sponsor systems such as research.gov and grants.gov
- Proficient in conveying complex information, both in writing and verbally, to diverse partners.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Work Schedule
Punctual and regular attendance is required. May require working during non-business hours and on weekends.
Work Locations
You may be required to travel to multiple locations on and off campus. Your main office workspace is located in our North Quadrangle building. Hybrid work is possible and follows the UMSI Remote Work Policy and with supervisor approval. Remote work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change depending upon our needs.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
