How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

Since 1841, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) has been the heart of The Michigan Difference, educating young leaders through a rich liberal arts curriculum and creating new knowledge through world-class research and scholarship. 

LSA offers more than 100 degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs.  Every LSA program is among the best in the U.S. with more than 40 programs in the top 10 and 5 programs are the best in their fields. Our alumni network is over 200,000 living LSA graduates and 90% of our seniors go on to enter the workforce or attend graduate school.  Learn more about LSA at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/.

As part of the largest college at the University of Michigan, LSA Finance employs more than 90 employees who provide financial and research administration support to over 100 units.  We are seeking a Research Administrator to provide financial portfolio management and budgeting support to faculty and administrators at all stages of the grant process, from pre-award preparation and submission of research and grant proposals to post-award grant administration. 

LSA Finance is a collaborative community that provides various opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.  We offer a pooled training program for all new incoming Research Administrator Associate staff which assigns a dedicated mentor to them to oversee their onboarding and training schedule. The Research Administrator is a key member of the LSA Finance Business Offices. As a Research Administrator you will serve as the financial liaison between faculty and staff, while monitoring grant submissions and informing management of the financial and administrative effects associated with successful awards. This role requires excellent interpersonal skills to partner with colleagues at all levels and within multiple University offices.

Flexible Work Arrangements
As part of the University of Michigan's Future Work Initiative and LSA Finance's Flexible Work Arrangements, this position may work on campus or hybrid (both remote and on campus). 

Responsibilities*

This position is responsible for coordinating the administrative research process, by assisting with the creation of proposals, including locating relevant materials, formatting and editing, providing assistance with the preparation of multi-year budgets, preparing and assisting with budget justifications, coordinating with internal and external entities as appropriate, and ensuring timely routing of proposals through the institutional approval process.

Post-award activities are primarily financial in nature and will include projecting and updating encumbrances, analysis of faculty accounts, preparing and reviewing financial transactions, and monitoring appropriateness for grant funding and allowability. May compile statistical, financial, accounting or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as journal entries, vouchers, and standard transactions such as expenditures for materials, equipment, support staff and travel.  Resolve mid-size compliance-related issues and work with management on larger issues.  Provide assistance to faculty with rebudgeting, report preparation, and renewals/extension paperwork.

Assist other team members in the LSA business office as needed. Maintain appropriate communications with faculty, LSA administrators, Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) and Sponsored Programs. Participate in continuous process improvement efforts. Responsible for interpreting regulations and guidelines of internal and external funding. Help document best practices and procedures for research administration.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Typically, with at least one year of relevant higher level financial activities and/or research administrative experience. 
• Progressive knowledge of Excel and other Office products and comfort with changing technology is essential. 
• Collaborate effectively with co-workers and work with a diverse group of customers providing excellent customer service. 
• Attend to detail, exhibit sound judgment, follow work through to completion, and meet high work standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities.
• Ability to set priorities and manage competing deadlines is required.  
• Excellence in verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Information

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.