Associate Director, Research Administration - CLAS

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Research Administration - CLAS at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Provide leadership and direction to grant administration staff and post award grant management operations within the college.  Responsible for creating and implementing grant strategies that facilitate increased grant productivity, improves business processes, and advances overall operational effectiveness.  Nurtures, fosters and cultivates a pro-active continuous improvement environment that is conducive to both the University and the College's overall research mission. The position reports to the Associate Dean for Research - CLAS.

Leads strategic initiatives that leverage grant funding in support of research activities and the college. Directs, coordinates, plans, develops, and implements pre and post award management objectives and financial activities within the college. 

Directs the operations of the Dean's Office Research Support Office. Provides leadership and day-to-day direction to staff. Hires and mentors' staff; oversees staff performance; determines staffing levels and oversees staff workflow, making adjustments as necessary. Ensures the professional research administrators within the college are adequately trained and have appropriate tools to effectively perform their job duties.

Conducts needs assessments to evaluate effectiveness of current systems and utilize best practices to support the research mission of the college. Collaborates with the Sponsored Programs Administration Office to achieve common goals and objectives.

Oversees the compilation of statistical and administrative reports and analysis, summaries, surveys and questionnaires regarding program activities. Provides reports and dashboards for management decision making purposes. Presents this data to college administrators and faculty. Formulates metrics (e.g. key process indicators, customer objectives, staff related objectives, financial objectives, satisfaction, quality, and morale).

Creates/updates, implements and maintains policies, procedures and processes to improve research operations of the college. Streamlines processes, provides business process continuity and reduces redundancies throughout the college. Maintains oversight of the college's research website.

Serves on college and university-wide committees, representing the College. Function as a liaison and resource to University personnel and external agencies. Attend workshops, conferences and informational development seminars to keep abreast of current trends and practices in sponsored programs administration.

Assist in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:   Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Public Administration or related field; a combination of related education and experience may be considered. Master's degree preferred (e.g. MBA or Masters of Research Administration) or undergrad degree supplemented with certificate and/or courses in research administration.

Experience:   Expert (established subject matter expert, 7 years experience)

Five - seven years’ experience in progressively responsible roles in sponsored programs administration.  Extensive experience in both pre and post award sponsored project administration.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

PROJECT MANAGEMENT:  Ability to independently manage a variety of projects while ensuring appropriate tracking, quality control, follow-up and multiple deadlines are met. Strong time management. Ability to prioritize and plan work activities; adapt to changing conditions and develop strategies to achieve organizational goals.

MANAGEMENT SKILLS:  Outstanding strategic thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Ability to mentor, coach and delegate work. Strong motivational skills that foster collaboration and a team building approach and inspires confidence to meet common objectives.

COMPUTER SKILLS:  Considerable experience with Microsoft Office (particularly advanced functions of Excel) and other data reporting tools.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally, both orally and in writing. Strong presentation skills.

CUSTOMER FOCUS:  Pro-active individual that is responsive and can defuse sensitive situations professionally. 

ANALYTICAL AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS:  Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced, stressful and dead-line driven environment.  Ability to interpret and analyze financial reports or other quantitative reports and compile data if necessary, in a clear and concise format for management decision making.

School/College/Division:

H12 - College of Liberal Arts & Science

Primary department:

H1202 - CLAS Dean's Office

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
  
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Normal Office Environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1
  

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.