General Information


Job Description RSCH ADM 3 Working Title Assistant Director for Research Development and Support
Job Code 006206 Grade 21
Department Name Engineering - Dean's Office - D01002 Department Head
Supervisor Effective Date 05/01/2020
Position(s) Directly Supervised
Job Code Title FTE

Generic Scope
Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems/issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.

Custom Scope
Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced research administrator to independently develop and/or oversee research proposals, awards and/or transactions related to contract and grant management and maintains contract and grant records in compliance with institutional research sponsor policies. Works on proposals and awards of diverse scope where analysis of data requires thorough understanding of complex regulations. Completes and approves transactions for signature by manager or other authorized institutional official. Works on complex proposals and awards that may involve multiple investigators and/or multiple sub awards. Guides less experienced staff. Central Role(CR): Is eligible for delegated signature authority (may vary by campus). Department Role(DR): Typically works on complex proposals such as grants/contracts which require task budgets, option years, multiple investigators and multiple sub awards.

Department Custom Scope
Works with individual investigators, small teams, and large teams from multiple departments and institutions to identify and pursue research and training opportunities of all sizes. Provides guidance on competitive approach, applicable policy, and effective grantsmanship. Possesses a sophisticated understanding of Federal and University grant policies and requirements such that he or she can assure that all proposals are complete and responsive. Outlines, writes, edits, and critiques proposal drafts. Plays a central role for all pre-award Research Administration and Research Development activities in the Bourns College of Engineering. Advises the BCOE Dean and Faculty on contract and grant funding strategy. Performs or coordinates pre-award research administration, entailing all services necessary for the preparation, approval, and submission of compliant and competitive proposals to funding agencies, companies, and foundations. Performs research development, entailing helping principal investigators formulate strategies for being successful in a competitive environment for contracts and grants. Serves as a strategic adviser by maintaining an understanding of funding agency priorities and trends, and how these can support the College's strategic plans. Develops lessons learned from successful and unsuccessful pursuits at UCR and elsewhere. This will entail systematically obtaining and analyzing reviews of submitted proposals. Advises the Dean and other campus leaders on approaches for success in winning large opportunities and integrating funding trends with the College's strategic plan.Serves as a primary participant in faculty development activities relating to proposal-writing activities for faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Serves as back-up in absence of or to support the Director.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education Requirements
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Required
Advanced degree in engineering or science preferred. Preferred
Education and experience in engineering, computer science, and physical science. Preferred

Experience Requirements
Experience Requirement

License Requirements

Certification Requirements
Certification Requirement
Certification by the Association of Proposal Management Professionals, National Organization of Research Development Professionals, Society of Research Administrators, or equivalent organization. Preferred

Educational Condition Requirements
Condition Requirement

Key Responsibilities

Description % Time
(DR): Prepares complex proposal budgets and support documents that are required by proposal guidelines.
  • Prepares project budgets and coordinates/supervises other staff on budget preparation. Secures and documents cost sharing as needed.
15
Provides post-award financial administration and management for research funds in accordance with organization policy and agency requirements.
  • Participates in handoff of projects to the department or center that will administer it. Documents any required cost sharing. Supports any needs for documenting funding increments or modifications to the project agreement.
 5
Coordinates proposal submissions.
  • Assists principal investigators in the preparation of proposals by assuring that the BCOE pre-award office reviews solicitations, documents requirements, and supports principal investigators in the preparation of the proposal. Coordinates and supervises services provided by the office including editing, graphics, and desktop publishing. Authors and edits proposal content.
 10
(CR): Applies contracts and grants concepts to review complex grant or contract proposals and obtain/verify necessary compliance approvals, and recommend/negotiate needed changes to proposals with PIS and/or department administrators. Researches, develops and implements new research initiatives.
  • Assures that all proposal budgets conform to sponsor and University policies and accurately represent the proposal plan.
10
Provides guidance and counsel on complex research administration matters, including compliance regulations, to principal investigators and department administrators.
  • Assures that BCOE principal investigators are aware of funding opportunities and well-positioned to compete for them. Identifies funding opportunities relevant to current and potential research activities consistent with institutional mission. Positions the College to compete successfully for major funding opportunities by maintaining currency on funding opportunities; reviewing past wins and losses at UCR and elsewhere for lessons learned; and maintaining relationships with sponsoring agencies sufficiently to anticipate funding opportunities. Functions in a leadership role in supporting major research proposal initiatives undertaken by the college. Establishes research, education and outreach connections between UCR and external collaborators and stakeholders. Mobilizes faculty to initiate multidisciplinary research collaborations within BCOE, throughout UCR, and with other organizations. Researches institutional information to establish eligibility and competitive advantages for funding opportunities. Organizes workshops and delivers presentations on grant programs to ensure guidelines are understood and best practices are shared. Interfaces as needed with BCOE and campus Advancement teams on opportunities for gifts and foundation funding. Interfaces as needed with the Office of Research and Economic Development on limited submission opportunities. Interfaces with the Office of Technology Partnerships as needed on industry-funded research and technology transfer.
 40
(CR): Previews pre-award update information requested by sponsor representatives before issue of awards and submission.
10
(CR): Develops professional relationships with sponsor representatives. Delivers specialized training for education workshops in the area of research administration, grant writing, proposal development to improve funding success.
  • Establishes programs to train early-career faculty in understanding good proposal practices. Works with BCOE Departments to cross-train staff in pre-award and post-award functions. Collects lessons learned from recurring programs and provide training to principal investigators and University administration leading to greater success in the next cycle.
5
(CR): Negotiates terms and conditions of complex research agreements and awards from various sponsors.
5

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge/Skill/Ability Requirement
Thorough understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment. Required
Thorough knowledge of applicable compliance requirements related to use of human or animal subjects in research, financial conflict of interest, biosafety, etc. Required
Maintains current knowledge of compliance regulations in all areas of research administration. Required
Ability to manage significant volume of transactions. Required
Ability to perform complex financial analysis and customized reporting. Required
Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles. Required
Demonstrated competence in the use of spreadsheet and database software in financial analysis, fiscal management and financial reports. Required
Ability to maintain independent judgment; strong organization and communication skills; and a customer service focus across broad and diverse subject areas. Required
Demonstrated knowledge of effective grant funding processes, procedures and techniques. Required
Strong writing skills in a variety of styles to draft persuasive text for a variety of audiences while ensuring adherence to funding sponsor's guidelines. Required

Special Requirements & Conditions
Special Condition Requirement

Other Special Requirements & Conditions
  • Travel
  • Travel Outside of Normal Business Hours

Level of Supervision Received
GeneralSupervision

Environment

Working Environment
Campus

Other Requirements

Items Used
  • Standard Office Equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Bend : Occasionally
  • Sit : Frequently
  • Squat : Occasionally
  • Stand : Frequently
  • Crawl : NA
  • Walk : Occasionally
  • Climb : NA

Mental Requirements
  • Read/Comprehend : Constantly
  • Write : Constantly
  • Perform Calculations : Frequently
  • Communicate Orally : Constantly
  • Reason & Analyze : Constantly

Environmental Requirements
  • Is exposed to excessive noise : No
  • Is around moving machinery : No
  • Is exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity : No
  • Drives motorized equipment : No
  • Works in confined quarters : No
  • Dust : No
  • Fumes : No

Critical Position

Is Critical Position: No

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