Research Operations Coordinator

We are seeking a highly skilled Research Administrator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the review and submission of sponsored research proposals, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, and institutional policies.

This role supports principal investigators (PIs), college research administrators, and departments by coordinating administrative, budgetary, and regulatory requirements through electronic systems. Reporting to the Senior Director of Pre-Award, the Research Administrator is responsible for timely, accurate proposal submissions, risk mitigation, and maintaining compliant, audit-ready documentation.

The position also serves as a liaison between faculty, departmental staff, and central offices, contributing to the University's research growth and compliance infrastructure.

The Research Administrator is a central office position within the Sponsored Programs Office (SPO) – Pre-Award, responsible for overseeing the timely, accurate, and compliant submission of sponsored research proposals on behalf of the University.

This role supports principal investigators (PIs) and departmental units by reviewing and coordinating all administrative, budgetary, and regulatory components of proposals routed through the central system.

The Research Administrator is expected to proactively identify missing information, seek out needed documentation, and escalate concerns early to ensure sponsor deadlines are met — particularly in schools or departments that lack dedicated administrative support.

Operating with a high degree of independence, the RA serves as the institutional compliance checkpoint and submission lead, ensuring adherence to federal, sponsor, and university policies through efficient electronic workflows and professional engagement with stakeholders.

This position plays a critical role in supporting Howard's R1 designation and research growth goals by minimizing submission-related risk, maintaining audit-ready documentation, and contributing to ongoing improvements in policy, system implementation, and mentorship of junior team members.

• Manage Institutional Proposal Submissions
• Ensure Timely Submission to External Sponsors
• Interpret and Apply Sponsor Requirements
• Serve as SPO Liaison for Assigned Portfolio
• Support Schools Lacking Administrative Infrastructure
• Promote Audit-Ready Documentation and Compliance
• Lead Cayuse Routing and Troubleshooting
• Mentor and Support Team Members
• Engage in Process Improvement and Policy Development
• Maintain High Standards of Professional Communication

• Compliance Expertise
• Technical Proficiency
• Analytical Thinking and Judgment
• Attention to Detail and Documentation Accuracy
• Proactive Communication and Escalation
• Time and Workflow Management
• Customer Service Orientation
• Team Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning

• Bachelor's degree required
• A minimum of 4–5 years of progressively responsible experience in research administration, with a demonstrated track record of independently managing proposal submissions to federal sponsors
• Proficiency in using electronic research administration systems, such as Cayuse, Grants.Gov, eRA Commons, and Research.Gov
• Strong understanding of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and sponsor-specific proposal requirements
• Demonstrated ability to interpret sponsor guidelines, identify compliance issues, and manage complex or multi-component submissions with minimal supervision
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to engage with faculty, staff, and sponsors in a professional, responsive, and proactive manner