Research Administrator Lead Apply Now **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. **Job 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. We offer more than 100-degree programs in over 75 academic departments and programs. Learn more about LSA at http://www.lsa.umich.edu/. At the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), our Finance team includes more than 100 dedicated professionals delivering comprehensive financial, procurement, and research administration services to over 100 units. We are currently seeking a Lead Research Administrator to join our collaborative community and play a key role in supporting faculty research across the college. In this role, you will provide expert pre- and post-award support and manage a complex portfolio of sponsored research projects across all stages of the grant lifecycle from proposal preparation and submission to post-award administration and closeout. You will serve as a critical financial liaison between faculty, staff, and administration, ensuring smooth and efficient portfolio management, including budgeting, projections, compliance, and reporting. As a lead team member, you will also mentor and guide other research administrators within LSA's business office teams. This includes offering support on complex tasks, assisting with training and onboarding of new staff, and providing backup coverage where needed. Responsibilities include monitoring grant submissions, identifying potential financial and administrative impacts, and advising on appropriate strategies and solutions. Success in this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty and colleagues across a broad range of departments and university offices. We're seeking a flexible, resourceful individual who is eager to contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven environment. As part of the LSA Finance team, you'll benefit from professional development opportunities and a comprehensive onboarding program designed to set you up for success in your new role. You'll also be paired with a peer mentor to support your integration into the team and help you grow your expertise within our collaborative and supportive community. **Flexible Work Arrangements** As part of the University of Michigan's Future Work Initiative and LSA Finance's Flexible Work Arrangements, this position offers the option to work either remotely or on campus. However, on-campus presence is required as needed throughout the year to support intentional collaboration, faculty engagement, team-building activities, and other in-person needs. This may include times when a project would benefit from on-site participation or at the request of faculty or other stakeholders. Travel planning and related expenses for these visits are the responsibility of the employee. **Responsibilities*** **Research Administration & Portfolio Management** + Manage complex pre- and post-award activities for faculty portfolios, including proposal preparation, budget development, submission routing, projections, and post-award financial oversight. + Ensure compliance with university and sponsor guidelines while tracking expenditures, reconciling budgets, and resolving mid-level compliance issues. + Advise faculty on grant management best practices and serve as a resource for financial and administrative guidance. **Mentorship & Training** + Mentor research administrators across business offices, providing support on complex tasks, decision-making, and professional growth. + Lead training sessions on research administration processes, adapting to different experience levels and learning styles. + Share updated policies, tools, and resources to strengthen team knowledge and performance. **Projects & Process Improvement** + Contribute to process improvements and team initiatives that enhance efficiency and service delivery. + Collaborate with colleagues on projects, maintain open communication, and support a positive, inclusive team environment. **Stakeholder Communication** + Serve as a liaison to faculty, LSA leadership, ORSP, and Sponsored Programs. + Interpret funding regulations and provide clear, practical guidance to ensure compliance and smooth operations. **Required Qualifications*** + Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience. + 7 or more years of relevant research administration experience and/or higher-level financial activities. + In-depth knowledge of Excel and other Office products + Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities and deadlines. + Proficient in conveying complex information clearly and concisely, both in writing and verbally, to diverse stakeholders. **Modes of Work** Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) . **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 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 Statement** The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer. **Job Detail** **Job Opening ID** 267139 **Working Title** Research Administrator Lead **Job Title** Research Administrator Ld **Work Location** Ann Arbor Campus Ann Arbor, MI **Modes of Work** Hybrid **Full/Part Time** Full-Time **Regular/Temporary** Regular **FLSA Status** Exempt **Organizational Group** College Of Lsa **Department** LSA Dean: Finance **Posting Begin/End Date** 8/06/2025 - 8/20/2025 **Salary** $96,000.00 - $105,000.00 **Career Interest** Research Apply Now