Associate Director, Pre-Award Research Administration

About the role

The Office of Research Administration at the University of Miami seeks an experienced leader to oversee pre‑award services. The Associate Director will guide a team that reviews, endorses, and submits research proposals, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university policies.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant submission of research proposals to external sponsors.
• Lead comprehensive analysis and negotiation of research agreements, including budgets, terms, and conditions for government, foundation, corporate, and industry awards.
• Supervise a team that reviews and endorses proposals and creates compliant billing grids for clinical research projects.
• Act as primary liaison with funding agencies, Institutional Review Board, Technology Transfer, Risk Management and other university offices to coordinate pre‑award activities.
• Maintain alignment of sponsored projects with university policies, sponsor requirements, and fiscal best practices.

Required profile

• Proven experience in pre‑award research administration within a university or research institution.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor a team of research administrators.
• Strong understanding of sponsor guidelines, contract negotiation, and clinical research billing compliance.
• Excellent communication skills to interact with principal investigators, compliance offices, and external sponsors.

Required skills