Research Administrator/Fund Manager - Hybrid, Remote or In-Person

This position can be fully remote, in-person, or a hybrid (remote and in-person). The on-site location is 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093.

The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science is dedicated to creating and promoting public health innovations to advance equity, justice, and wellbeing for all. The School focuses on health, diversity, inclusion, and social equity in everything we do. We believe this starts in the workplace, where we actively strive to ensure a sense of belonging for everyone and honor the idea that through our differences, we are better together. In working to fulfill that vision, we are comprised of more than 125 primary appointed faculty and academics, 200 staff members, and 25 secondary appointed faculty and provide mentorship and instruction to 700+ BSPH undergraduate major students and 225+ postgraduate students across six degree programs as well as a clinical residency. We conduct research and instruction in public health disciplines such as Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Climate & Environmental Health, Community Health Services & Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health Behavior, Health Equity & Justice, Health Policy, Public Mental Health & Substance Use, and Technology & Precision Health, totaling ~$125M in grants and contracts and house five research service cores. We engage in research and teaching collaborations across the University and the community at-large. Partnerships with the community and with health agencies are fundamental to the School.

Under the general supervision of the School’s Fiscal Operations Supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for strategic fiscal planning, analysis, budgeting and management for complex research grants and contracts, self-supporting activities, educational programs, gift, and other funds for the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. This position provides high level analysis and pre and post award fiscal management for a full range of fund sources to include federal, state/county, non-profit, foundation, gift, for-profit, clinical, university funds, etc. across a diverse portfolio that includes grants, contracts, clinical trials, endowments, and other revenues. The incumbent works with Principal Investigators (PIs) and Program Directors (PDs) with multiple fund sources and more complex awards to coordinate research/project/program funding and balance available resources. Collaborates with the PI/PD in order to meet all programmatic and staffing commitments. The incumbent independently resolves variances, identifies problems, formulates solutions and/or makes recommendations in accordance with School, university, and agency regulations. They work closely with the PI and/or PI designee on all funding issues and serve as a resource for PIs and program staff on agency and university regulations and guidelines. Incumbent provides consultative services to School administrators, faculty, and non-faculty academics. The incumbent may also be engaged in the negotiation and management of service agreements, clinical trials, or other contracts. They serve as a liaison with the Office of Contracts & Grants Administration (OCGA), Sponsored Projects Finance (SPF), Health Sciences Sponsored Project Pre Award Office (HS SPPO), funding agencies, and other partners. The incumbent also contributes to training or mentoring to School employees working with various sources of funding, including pre- and post-award management, project reporting, and close-outs. Supports effort reporting compliance and Departmental Security Administrator (DSA) functions.

Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and / or oversee research proposals, awards and / or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. Works on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires thorough understanding of complex regulations. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and / or multiple sub awards. Guides less experienced staff. Department Role (DR): Typically works on complex proposals such as grants / contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Seven (7) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training.
• Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Proven efficiency and accuracy in the preparation of grant budgets of all types.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc.
• Ability to manage significant volume of transactions. Skill in prioritizing a high volume workload to ensure priorities and other deadlines are met. Ability to maintain flexibility to redirect efforts when priorities change. Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments, managing both complicated long-range projects and proposals as well as short-term/immediate tasks, evaluate workload and resources, problem-solve.
• Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Ability to analyze expenditures, recognize trends, and support budget justifications consistent with agency requirements.
• Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Strong Excel skills including pivots, filtering, and advanced formulae.
• Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Demonstrated extramural research proposal preparation with emphasis on National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other Health Sciences related funders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, productive, and cooperative professional relationships with employees at all levels of the organization and work collaboratively with individuals and groups to incorporate their ideas and adapt to their needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with UCSD online and web-based accounting systems.
• Master's degree in finance or accounting, CPA, or other related advanced education in fiscal management or accounting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of education programs from inception to approval process, execution, and management.
• Five (5) or more years of relevant experience.