[Hiring] Manager, Sponsored Programs @University of Miami

Role Description

The Manager, Sponsored Programs oversees administrative and financial aspects of the Sponsored Programs division. The incumbent operates with the objective of increasing sponsored funding levels and the output of funding proposals, as well as maximizing the use and efficacy of existing research funding dollars. Additionally, the Manager develops and implements policies and methods that are most effective to that end.

• Formulates comparative analyses of operating programs by analyzing costs in relation to services performed during previous fiscal years.
• Creates and oversees budget, making recommendations for budget modifications when appropriate.
• Approves all disbursement requests for accuracy in coding and availability of funds prior to commitment of funds.
• Establishes and continuously assesses the effectiveness of the internal controls within the unit and compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Ensures employees are trained on controls within the function and on University policy and procedures.

The Sponsored Programs Manager is responsible for independently managing and overseeing the full pre-award lifecycle for sponsored research activities. This position has primary ownership and accountability for all pre-award functions and is expected to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and proactively manage priorities, deadlines, and issues with minimal supervision. The Manager partners closely with faculty, researchers, and departmental leadership to identify funding opportunities, develop and submit competitive proposals, and ensure compliance with institutional, sponsor, federal, and regulatory requirements.

• Coordinate and oversee all aspects of the pre-award proposal development and submission process, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, sponsor requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Partner with faculty and researchers in the preparation of grant and contract proposals, including budget development, budget justifications, administrative components, proposal forms, certifications, and other required documentation.
• Review proposals for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and compliance prior to submission to the Office of Research Administration (ORA) and/or sponsoring agency.
• Facilitate and manage proposal submissions through electronic research administration systems and sponsor-specific portals, ensuring all internal and external deadlines are met.
• Serve as the primary departmental liaison with ORA and other central research offices regarding proposal development, submission requirements, approvals, and resolution of pre-award issues.
• Provide guidance to investigators regarding sponsor guidelines, funding announcements, allowable costs, institutional requirements, submission procedures, and proposal deadlines.
• Identify and communicate relevant federal, foundation, industry, and other funding opportunities to faculty and research teams.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase sponsored research funding by identifying new funding opportunities, improving proposal development processes, and enhancing proposal quality and competitiveness.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal regulations, sponsor policies, institutional requirements, funding trends, and changes affecting sponsored research administration.
• Coordinate and prepare Just-in-Time (JIT) requests, including Other Support, certifications, and other required documentation.
• Prepare and coordinate required documentation for non-competing renewals and continuation applications for currently funded projects, including annual progress reports and other sponsor-required submissions.
• Maintain a tracking system to ensure timely completion and submission.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic records of proposals and related documentation within the Center's shared files and applicable institutional systems, including current Biosketches, Other Support documentation, and required certifications.
• Monitor proposal deadlines and maintain appropriate tracking tools for planned, pending, submitted, and awarded proposals to support departmental reporting and research planning.
• Collaborate with post-award staff to ensure an effective transition of newly awarded projects from the pre-award to post-award phase, including communicating relevant proposal, budget, and sponsor information.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and departmental staff on sponsored programs policies, procedures, and best practices and assist with training and guidance as needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication with investigators, departmental leadership, ORA, central research administration, and external sponsors.
• Serve as backup for post-award functions when necessary to support continuity of sponsored programs operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience required.
• Significant experience in sponsored research administration, particularly in pre-award services, within a research-intensive environment.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and private funding sources and mechanisms.
• Familiarity with research administration software and electronic research administration portals (e.g., Grants.gov, Research.gov).
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in project management and coordination.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High degree of integrity and professionalism.
• Any relevant education, certifications and/or work experience may be considered.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission, and more.