Senior Research Administrator (Remote Eligible)

The School of Engineering

Stanford Engineering has been at the forefront of innovation for nearly a century, creating pivotal technologies that have transformed the worlds of information technology, communications, health care, energy, business and beyond. Our faculty and students are creative risk-takers who pursue excellence across a breadth of disciplines. Our alumni include some of the world’s most successful leaders in technology and business. Our staff are critical to enabling Stanford Engineering to accomplish its mission: seeking solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges and educating leaders who will make the world a better place through the power of engineering principles, techniques and systems.

If you have five years of research administration experience, this role may be perfect for you. On behalf of eight SoE academic departments, the Engineering Research Administration (ERA) administers approximately 920 annual awards and $121 million in annual sponsored research. ERA is a high-volume and productive administrative unit, and the ERA staff collectively manage the pre- and post-award activities for a large and diverse portfolio of sponsoring agencies (over 290 different agencies). ERA is looking for a Senior Research Administrator (RA) who will provide a full range of administrative, financial and other tasks associated with pre- and post-award sponsored research activities and services, including proposal preparation and post-award management of funds and budgets. The Senior Research Administrator will manage the proposal preparation and post-award activities on sponsored projects such as federal grants, foundation grants, and industrial contracts, and serve as a local department expert on all research administration functions.

Job Purpose: Work highly independently to manage the proposal preparation and/or post award activities for a large volume and diverse set of complex, federal and non-federal sponsored research projects, involving multiple sub-awards, principal investigators, and/or cross-school initiatives.

This position is eligible for remote work. The Senior Research Administrator has an option to be remote, hybrid, or entirely in the office. The Senior Research Administrator will be asked to attend certain in-person work events during the year regardless of remote status.

In this role, you will:

• Prepare complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines.
• Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; resolve issues relating to proposal preparation and submittal process.
• Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize complex project budgets, and provide budget justification; obtain cost sharing commitment and support. Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries; advise of new regulations.
• Collaborate with Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers.
• Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
• Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create forecasting models, scenarios, and decision aides.
• Manage contract closeout process and compile information and documents needed for audit inquiries; submit final reports and certificates.
• Interpret complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
• Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross campus projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
• Oversee and review work of other staff. May supervise, train and/or mentor other staff.
• Serve as a resource on subject area and overall technical resource to principal investigator and other university staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree and five years of job related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (Required):

• Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, A-21, A-110, A-133, CAS).
• Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
• Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
• Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
• Strong knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
• Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.
• Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctorals, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants, along with the circumstances appropriate for each type of position.
• Extreme attention to detail.
• Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

Certifications & Licenses:

• Cardinal Curriculum I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
• Certified Accountant or Auditor, MBA, project management certification, or similar credential desired.

Physical Requirements*

• Frequently sit, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation and perform desk-based computer tasks, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing up to ten pounds.
• Occasionally stand, walk, grasp forcefully, use a telephone, write by hand and sort and file paperwork or parts.
• Rarely lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing 11-20 pounds.

Work Standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

Pay Range:

This role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States. Stanford University has five Regional Pay Structures. The compensation for this position will be based on the location of the successful candidate.

The expected pay range for this position is $83,555 to $117,329 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Why Stanford is for you:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.
• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

How to Apply:

We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4483
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: I
• Requisition ID: 105260
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible, Remote Eligible

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