Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Northeastern University is a global research university with a complex and growing sponsored research portfolio. The Hub Research Administrator provides college- and department-level pre-award and post-award research administration services, including proposal and budget support, financial management, compliance review, reporting, account reconciliation, and training for Principal Investigators and stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Identify proposal opportunities and work with faculty to develop proposal budgets
- Coordinate subaward proposals and prepare applications
- Review proposals to federal, state, and local government agencies, private foundations, and industry/corporate organizations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, University policies, and program solicitations, including specific terms and conditions related to cooperative agreements, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)-based contracts
- Provide overall financial management of a complex and growing portfolio comprised of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements from a variety of federal and non-federal sponsor types
- Monitor account balances, term dates, and activities
- Collaborate with central NU-RES offices to prepare and submit requests for prior approvals, scope-of-work or PI/key personnel changes, award extensions, post-award budget revisions, and child/related funds
- Schedule and attend quarterly, or more frequent as needed, meetings with PIs to review accounts, including balances, activity, projections, and terminations/closeouts
- Coordinate with the subaward team on subrecipient setup, monitoring, and invoicing
- Assist with submission of progress reports
- Coordinate with Research Finance, Research Administration, or other units to address issues or questions relating to account setup, activity, reporting, closeout, and audit activities
- Perform college- and department-level reconciliations of accounts
- Monitor and approve transactions, including reviewing for appropriate backup and business purpose documentation in Concur, Workday, email, or other platforms
- Review and approve subrecipient invoices within the Workday financial system
- Prepare and submit cost transfer forms or other required documentation to support transactional activities
- Collaborate with PIs and colleges to identify extra compensation availability and planning needs
- Prepare, submit, and track extra compensation requests
- Run and distribute monthly account activity reports to PIs
- Perform financial analysis on accounts, identify burn rates and projections, and communicate burn rates and projections to PIs and departments
- Coordinate with department administrators and Research Finance on effort allocations, changes, and reporting
- Seek and attend training and meetings focused on federal regulations, research administration, and other relevant areas to maintain fluency in areas specific to the role
- Provide training and presentations, attend meetings and workshops, and communicate new policies and regulations relevant to research administration
- Participate in cross-training initiatives or workgroups as a subject matter expert or end-user to promote well-rounded perspectives, seamless transitions, processes, and adequate internal controls of research administration
- Routinely participate in ongoing professional development activities with a focus on continuous professional growth
- Complete ad hoc or miscellaneous projects as needed or assigned
Skills
- Bachelor's degree or 4-6 years of relevant work experience
- Research administration experience
- Financial analysis experience, with familiarity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Uniform Guidance, or other regulations
- Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
- Service-mindedness with proven customer service skills
- Ability to independently learn and utilize a variety of systems, applications, and resources
- Demonstrated ability to interact with tact and diplomacy with constituents at all levels of an organization
- Ability to create and deliver presentations and training for diverse audiences through virtual or in-person platforms, public speaking engagements, or recorded sessions
- Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-oriented environment
- Flexibility and agility to pivot between central and non-central roles, projects, and tasks to meet deadlines
- Resourcefulness and willingness to support organizational and operational changes as part of ongoing process improvement initiatives
- Ability to work effectively with varying levels of ambiguity
- Ability to create and maintain a culture of service, accountability, and timeliness
- Ability and willingness to keep abreast of federal and sponsor regulations and train others on applying those regulations
- Commitment to compliance, stewardship, and continuous improvement
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA)
- Currently holds, or is eligible to obtain, a security clearance
Benefits
- Remote work supported by NU-RES, with remote locations and work schedules determined based on operational needs and consultation with NU-RES team members, consistent with University policies and guidelines.
- Medical insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition assistance
- Wellness and life benefits
- Retirement benefits
- Commuting and transportation benefits
Company Overview