Description

Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Careers Posted On: Wed Aug 27 2025 Job Description:

Description of Duties:

As a member of the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Pre-Award Services team, the Research Administrator (RA) actively contributes to the Proposals Management, Award Establishment and Management, and Contracts Management teams, with a primary focus on either proposal preparation and submission or award management functions. The RA establishes productive relationships with faculty to catalyze and bolster external funding that advances teaching, research, and scholarship at the University at Albany. The RA is responsible for performing diversified and complex pre-award and post-award non-financial administrative functions to ensure conformity with University and Research Foundation (RF) policies, state and federal laws and regulations governing sponsored program activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works closely and collaboratively with University faculty and staff assisting with proposal preparation and award modifications to a variety of sponsoring agencies such as federal and state agencies, foundations, and other public entities. Interprets sponsor requirements and guidelines, assists with budget preparation, reviews and approves all proposal documents and modification requests to be submitted to sponsors for appropriateness and compliance. Manages workflow of assignments throughout all stages of the proposal and award lifecycle, including inputting data into RF business systems and sponsor websites. Serves as the primary point of contact and liaison between faculty and sponsoring agencies on behalf of the RF. Reviews award documents, identifies sponsor terms and conditions, and prepares award for account establishment. Coordinates with other Research Division staff to work collaboratively to provide excellent professional service to the campus.
• Provides guidance to faculty to assure proper stewardship of funds received, works with departmental administrator, and the SPA team throughout the life of a sponsored project.
• Maintains knowledge of University, RF, and sponsor policies and procedures to ensure compliant and competitive proposal submission, as well as effective programmatic monitoring of awards often in collaboration with post-award finance functions. Ensures that Principal Investigators (PIs) submit timely and accurate reports as specified in the award terms and conditions. Provides internal updates and reports on the progress of assignments to the Associate Director as requested.
• Assists in development, implementation, and communication of SPA and Pre-Award Services standard operating procedures and practices internally and to external constituents. Actively participates in team meetings, system implementation efforts and on-going process improvement. Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by the US Department of Education or an internationally recognized accrediting organization and 3 years of professional experience; OR Associate's degree plus 5 years of professional experience; OR High School diploma and 7 years of professional experience.
• Professional experience in any of the following: (electronic) research administration, contract negotiation and/or research support, federal, state and/or industry related proposal submissions, project management, or related administrative position.
• Experience using Microsoft Office products.
• Experience using online business systems, such as Oracle.
• Must be self-directed, possess good judgement and problem-solving skills and be comfortable in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse constituency and be customer service oriented.
• Demonstrated customer service and continuous improvement experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to develop inclusive and equitable relationships within our diverse campus community.
• Applicants must demonstrate an ability to support diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging, relative to their role.

Preferred Requirements:

• Professional experience in higher education, research, contract administration or a related field.
• Knowledge of regulations that govern federally funded programs research and related areas of regulatory compliance, federal circulars, and associated typical administrative terms and conditions.
• Designation of Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA)

Additional Information:

Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000 (DOE)

Federal law and regulations require notice to all prospective employees regarding crimes that have occurred on campus in the current three-year period. Please refer to the following website for the complete Annual Security Report ("Clery Report"): http://police.albany.edu/asr.htm

As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, life insurance and long-term disability insurance. The University at Albany offers a variety of performing arts, world class libraries, and competitive sporting events.