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 outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Mission Statement

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation’s number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise, and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: https://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment to our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Responsibilities*

• Partner with faculty and project teams to develop, prepare, and submit sponsored projects proposals and other agreements, involving multiple stakeholders and partner institutions. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Setting and managing proposal preparation timelines in compliance with U-M and partner institutions' timelines.

  • Developing multi-year budgets and budget justifications and provide guidance to the PI/project team regarding appropriate budget items to include in proposal submissions, ensuring proposal and budget compliance with federal, University, and department specific rules and regulations.

  • Coordinating and compiling proposal requirements with the project teams and partners (internal and external).

  • Ensuring proposal and budget compliance with sponsor solicitation as well as sponsor’s and U-M’s policies and procedures. Assist and advise project teams regarding sponsor regulations and contract terms and conditions.

  • Organizing all proposals and other agreements documentation and route through U-M’s Electronic Research Management System (eRPM) for institutional approval and through sponsor systems, such as Fastlane/research.gov, grants.gov, NSpires, etc.

  • Prepare UFA’s which may include, but not limited to: NDA (non-disclosure agreement), TCP (technology control plan), IT Security Plans

  • Work with procurement in obtaining Small Business Plans if needed prior to proposal submission based on RFP requirements

Post-Award Management

• Track and oversee sponsored projects' financial activities, including but not limited to:

  • Preparing monthly financial reports and collaborating with project teams to monitor sponsored projects' financial activity.

  • Reviewing and pre-approving expenditures in the purchasing system, purchase order requests, student and guest reimbursements, purchasing card transactions, and other vouchers.

  • Initiating and managing subcontracts and new sponsored sub-projects.

  • Appropriately allocating faculty, staff and student effort in sponsored projects (DBEs).

  • Monitoring transactions and ensuring compliance with sponsor and U-M regulations.

  • Preparing and submitting post-award change requests, including timely extensions, Uniform Guidance approvals, and personnel changes.

  • Preparing journal entries, budget allocations, and reallocations, obtaining required approval.

  • Reviewing Financial Status Reports (FSRs) and other reports (i.e., Uniform Guidance reports) for accuracy. Identify and resolve required revisions in compliance with sponsor and U-M policies.

• Maintain appropriate communications with project teams, the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) and Sponsored Programs.

• Manage standard reports and requests for financial information from the sponsor, sponsored programs, subcontract recipients, and other stakeholders.

• Work with Export Control office for compliance with government contracts related to IT Security Plans and Technology Control Plans and anything related to Export Controlled issues

• Work with procurement in setting up Small Business Plans for government contracts

Financial Management

• Financial reconciliation, including monitoring project expenses and salaries to ensure expenses are allowable and appropriate for all accounts (sponsored and non-sponsored funds), researching erroneous charges, and taking corrective action.

• Prepare financial analyses, reports, and forecasts of sponsored and non-sponsored projects.

• Monitor, review, and reconcile orders in the department purchasing system.

• Submit requests to add, modify or delete shortcodes and projects/grants.

• Process journal entries to transfer funds, expenses, correct errors, etc.

• Assist with developing and monitoring program-level budgets.

• Additional financial management responsibilities as assigned, including participating in continuous process improvement efforts to maximize efficiency of financial policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications*

• Senior level: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, and 5-7 years of progressive research administration and financial management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Intermediate level: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, and 3-5 years of progressive research administration and financial management experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Associate level: Bachelor's degree and 1 - 3 years of research administration or equivalent combination of education and experience. Under FLSA, incumbents in this classification are non-exempt. 

• Experience in grants submission and administration of Federal and Non-Federal sponsored awards, including experience with electronic proposal submission via Research.gov/Fastlane.

• Demonstrated success with complex proposal submissions and post-award management of large awards.

• Demonstrated knowledge of compliance issues, including an in-depth knowledge of Uniform Guidance compliance.

• Ability to work independently to interpret and apply guidelines and policies including Uniform Guidance, budgeting restrictions, and sponsored research policies.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.

Desired Qualifications*

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) is a plus but not required.

• Knowledge of U-M financial practices and processes is strongly preferred. 

• Prior experience working with, and understanding policies and procedures of federal funding agencies as well as experience with corporate and industry sponsors.

Work Locations

The College of Engineering operates in a hybrid work environment consisting of both in-person and remote work. You can find more information here: https://rpm.engin.umich.edu/human-resources/telecommuting/

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

The College of Engineering has implemented a quarterly bonus program for its Research Administrators for the 22-23 fiscal year.  The selected candidate may be eligible to participate in the program if they meet the eligibility requirements.

This position will have the option of a remote work schedule to be negotiated on hire.

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.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.