Senior Research Administration Specialist

Employment Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Vacancy ID: NF0010115

Salary Range: $85,000

Position Summary/Description:

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

The Senior Research Administration Specialist serves as an advanced-level research administration professional responsible for leading complex pre-award activities while incorporating project management principles to support faculty and research teams across assigned units. This role functions as a subject matter expert in proposal development, sponsor guidelines, and research administration processes, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning, coordination, and execution of sponsored research proposals.

The position will independently manage a portfolio of highly complex proposals and collaborates closely with principal investigators (PIs), departmental leadership, and central offices to ensure timely, compliant, and competitive submissions. In addition to pre-award responsibilities, this role applies project management practices to coordinate timelines, track deliverables, facilitate communication across stakeholders, and support multi-investigator and multi-institutional proposals.

This position also serves as a team resource and mentor, providing guidance, training, and problem-solving support to research administration staff. While not a formal supervisor, the role is expected to function as a lead by promoting best practices, streamlining processes, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

Limited post-award responsibilities (approximately 10%) include award setup support, interpretation of award terms, and advising on financial and administrative compliance.

Education and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in research administration, particularly in pre-award

• Experience with complex, multi-site, or interdisciplinary proposals

• Experience applying project management methodologies in an academic or research setting

• Professional certification (e.g., CRA , CPRA , PMP )

• Experience leading process improvements or developing standard operating procedures

Essential Skills:

It is necessary for the candidate to demonstrate the following:

Research Administration Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of pre-award research administration, including proposal development, budgeting, and sponsor compliance requirements

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and private sponsor guidelines

• Experience developing complex proposal budgets, including personnel forecasting, cost-sharing, and multi-year projections

Project Management & Coordination

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, including tracking deadlines, deliverables, and stakeholder engagement

• Experience coordinating multi-investigator and/or multi-institutional proposals

• Ability to develop and implement project plans, timelines, and tracking tools

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to compile and edit proposal materials

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and external partners

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate discussions and resolve issues across diverse stakeholder groups

Leadership & Mentorship

• Experience providing guidance, training, or mentorship to peers or junior staff

• Ability to serve as a resource for best practices and problem-solving within research administration

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel

• Experience with research administration systems (e.g., RAMSeS, Cayuse, PeopleSoft, Infoporte) or similar platforms

• Familiarity with project management tools and tracking systems

Other

• High level of organization, accuracy, and ability to manage competing priorities

• Ability to work independently with a high degree of autonomy

AA/EEO Statement:

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.