Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Careers Posted On: Tue Jan 28 2025 Job Description: As a member of the Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Pre-Award Services team, the Senior Research Administrator (SRA) supports the research infrastructure by catalyzing the development and submission of proposals for external grants and contracts and is dedicated to providing the best support possible for University researchers. The SRA is responsible for performing diversified and complex administrative functions across all phases of the proposal and award lifecycle to ensure conformity with University and Research Foundation (RF) policies, state and federal laws and regulations, and sponsor guidelines. The SRA manages updates and revisions to submitted proposals, if required as a condition of funding or compliance with sponsor and legal requirements and optimizes SPA business systems to ensure proposals are properly managed from submission to award and account establishment. The SRA will be an active member of the Pre-Award Services Proposals Management team and will serve as the primary point of contact for assigned proposals, including complex large-scale proposals. In this role, the SRA establishes a productive working relationship with faculty and research staff in order to provide exceptional service from proposal concept to submission. The SRA possesses and maintains expertise in pre-award and post-award non-financial sponsored programs administration functions. As such, the SRA may serve as a resource for faculty members or research administrator colleagues who need special assistance or training during the proposal process. Essential Functions: Works closely and collaboratively with University faculty and staff on proposal preparation and authorized submission to a variety of sponsoring agencies such as federal and state agencies, foundations, and other public entities. Responsible for carrying-out pre-award administration functions and tasks including: reviewing program solicitations, interpreting and communicating sponsor requirements and guidelines; assisting with budget development to align proposed project costs with sponsor, University, and Research Foundation policies; reviewing and confirming approval of internal campus documents for proper eligibility, waiver approvals, identification of potential risks and proactively addressing any issues/questions; conducting final review of completed application package, including information related to facilities, equipment, and other University resource commitments, subaward documentation and, to the extent required at the time of proposal submission, compliance considerations. Foster a cooperative, task-oriented approach to proposal development by creating and maintaining application checklists for every assigned proposal and leading in frequent communication with Principal Investigators (PIs) to aid in timely completion of required documentation for submission. Provide advice and guidance to faculty and departmental research administrators, as well as Proposals Management team members, as needed during the proposal development process, particularly with regard to complex programs and large-scale collaborative proposals. Engage within SPA and throughout the Division a member of a team that is dedicated to service excellence, quality, and accountability. Engage in a variety of initiatives ranging from systems implementation to policy and process development by providing input to the Assistant Director for Proposals Management. Participate in efforts to improve and streamline research administration including serving on University committees, attending and presenting at internal forums and staying abreast of developments in the research administration arena. Support SPA's commitment to service excellence, quality, accountability, standards and continuous improvement by communicating existing and new policies and procedures with the research community. Job Requirements: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS + BA/BS from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization + 5+ years of progressively responsible experience within the field of research administration, sponsored programs administration, or contracts administration + Experience with electronic grants administration systems such as grants.gov, eRA commons, research.gov, and similar systems + Knowledge of funding agencies and their programs, major federal/non-federal sponsors; federal circulars and typical administrative terms and conditions + Demonstrated customer service and continuous improvement experience + Knowledge of regulations that govern federal research funding and related areas of regulatory compliance such as Uniform Guidance and FAR Regulations + Must be self-directed, possess good judgement and problem-solving skills, and be comfortable in a fast paced, deadline driven environment + Strong written and verbal communication skills + Adaptability, comfort and utilization of information systems. Strong Microsoft Office skills. + Excellent organizational skills Preferred Requirements: + Designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) + Experience with compiling large scale research proposals Additional Information: Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 Subject to change: This position may be eligible for up to 60% alternative workplace arrangement (Hybrid) with supervisor approval after a probationary period with in-person requirement located in Albany, New York. Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three-year period. Please refer to the following website for the complete Annual Security Report ("Clery Report"): http://police.albany.edu/asr.htm As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law. The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The University at Albany offers a variety of performing arts, world class libraries, and competitive sporting events.