Senior Research Administrator

North Carolina State University

$72,000-$76,000

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Apr 08, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194022EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Senior Research Administrator
Anticipated Hiring Range	$72,000-$76,000
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
Job Location	Raleigh, NC
Department	College of Natural Resources
About the Department	The College of Natural Resources is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to thrive out in the world. We encourage our award-winning faculty to work across disciplines and find innovative solutions to global challenges. And we partner with industry and government to put our research to work in communities everywhere. For almost a century, the college has served vital industries in North Carolina - including the state's largest manufacturing sector, forest and wood products, its largest service sector, tourism, and more than half a million-forest landowners. Together these industries sustain more than half a million jobs and generate $50 billion in annual economic impact. But our research goes even farther afield: We're recognized globally as experts in sustainability, the management of land and water, and solutions at the intersection of built and natural environments. In keeping with NC State's land-grant mission, we are dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre and post award activities. The CNR Research office develops and submits grant and contract applications, processes and collaborates with negotiations, as well as the post award accounting management and overall grant oversight.
Essential Job Duties	The Senior Research Administrator manages a complex portfolio of sponsored projects within the College of Natural Resources, overseeing the full project life cycle from proposal development to closeout. In this role you will, independently make decisions and authorize actions related to direct project costs and committed cost share. Key Responsibilities: Proposal & Award Management Assist Principal Investigators (PIs) in developing, reviewing, and submitting grant proposals, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university policies. Prepare budgets and justifications aligned with funding requirements. Advise faculty and staff on grant policies, procedures, and best practices. Maintain standardized templates, checklists, and filing systems. Build and sustain relationships with funding agencies, collaborators, and internal offices. Financial Management Oversee financial transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations and award terms. Conduct award reviews and meetings to inform PIs of funding requirements. Meet quarterly with faculty to discuss funding status and projections. Process budget revisions, monitor subawards, and track cost share commitments. Collaborate on financial reporting, progress reports, and project closeouts. Maintain financial records per university retention policies. Human Resources & Effort Management Monitor and manage faculty and staff effort on sponsored projects. Initiate and review salary distributions, HR transactions, and payroll accuracy. Coordinate with faculty, HR, and student services to ensure timely appointments. Support effort certification processes and resolve payroll issues. Policy Interpretation & Compliance Interpret and apply federal, state, and university policies to research administration. Advise faculty on compliance and operational decisions. Ensure proper effort management for sponsored projects. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, maintain strong relationships with funding agencies, and provide expert guidance on research administration policies and procedures, we encourage you to apply. You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities	Provides back-up support for the research administration team. Actively identifies, participates in, and leads process improvement activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years' experience; a bachelor's degree and 2-4 years' experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications	Experience with contracts and grants, including budget planning and financial management. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Google Apps, and web-based financial systems. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to learn new systems quickly and adapt to change. Customer-focused, proactive, and collaborative work style. Knowledge of accounting principles and ability to apply federal and state fiscal regulations. Ability to analyze, assess, and resolve complex financial and administrative issues. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. Ability to establish effective working relationships across departments.
Preferred Qualifications	Prefer 3+ years of university experience in Contracts and Grants. Experience with PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RED, Grants.gov, Research.gov. Knowledge of University research administration (Pre and Post-Award), Cost Accounting Standards, Budget Development and Federal, State and University policies and procedures is a plus. Understanding of audit requirements and a thorough knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, financial practices, federal circulars, governmental accounting standards board (GASB), fund accounting, budgeting, and state and university policies and regulations. Knowledge of sponsored research process and procedures, as well as experience in pre-award and closeout process for sponsored research.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	04/08/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00111363
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	150101 - College of Natural Resources
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.