Senior Research Administrator

The mission of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is to improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities, advance social and economic justice, and address pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse urban environments throughout Southern California, the nation, and the world.

Innovative and impactful research is central to the school’s mission and is supported through grants and contracts from federal and other sources.

Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Office of Research Administration, is seeking a dependable, motivated Senior Research Administrator with a strong work ethic and excellent organizational and customer service skills to join the team and continue to grow our research enterprise.

This position is housed at the USC UPC campus. The individual in this role will collaborate with faculty, PhD students, center directors, deans, the advancement director and staff, and the USC Department of Contracts and Grants.

Key Responsibilities :

• Manages a portfolio of complex grants and contracts. Provides short-term backup coverage for Research Administrators during periods of absence or leave.
• Monitors proposal caseload and makes assignment recommendations accordingly. Delegates tasks and projects, when necessary.

Monitors workflow and processes and makes adjustments as required. Conducts performance appraisals. Provides coaching and mentoring, as necessary.

• Resolves extremely complex issues escalated from team members and determines if further review is necessary by senior management or key University constituencies.
• Serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Interprets complex University and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.

for project and University personnel and helps guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.

• Identifies and implements process improvements. Oversees cross campus projects. Trains and advises staff and other University personnel on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
• Develops and administers program budgets and determines resource allocations. Reviews changes requested by staff and project stakeholders and provides recommendations regarding budget, time, and scope implications.

Makes major budgetary allocation decisions. Provides forecasts and financial status reports as needed. Negotiates and oversees subcontracted services as necessary.

Maintains accurate records and receipt processing.

• Negotiates and communicates with federal and state sponsors, industry sponsors, other institutions, and / or University schools or divisions in regard to application issues, terms and conditions, cost sharing, direct and indirect costs, general compliance with University guidelines, payment schedules, publication restrictions, ownership rights, confidentiality, intellectual property, and overall proposal and award rules and regulations.
• Serves as primary liaison between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, senior University management and high-profile sponsors, as required.
• Maintains awareness and knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, competitive economic and technology environments which may affect specialized programs.

Ensures core compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations as they pertain to the University or its research.

Directly or indirectly manages program and administrative staff, usually through subordinate managers and supervisors. Recruits, screens, hires, and trains staff, as necessary.

Evaluates employee performance and provides guidance and feedback. Recommends departmental goals and objectives, including workforce planning and compensation recommendations.

Develops and implements security related procedures such as office opening and closing routines, recognition of duress signals and key controls.

Coordinates security activities with Department of Public Safety.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS :

Minimum Education : Bachelor's degree

Minimum Experience : 7 years

Minimum Field of Expertise : Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations. Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate University policies and procedures.

Excellent oral, written, and communication skills. Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.

Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles. Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.

Preferred Education : Master's degree

Preferred Experience : 10 years

Preferred Field of Expertise : Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.

Compensation : The annual base range for this position is $109,165.32 - $110,000.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education / training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

We look forward to reviewing your application!

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