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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.

Note: In order for the career portal system to accept the cover letter, please include this as the first page of your resume document, so that you are submitting only ONE combined document. This combined document will be reviewed to assess how you meet the stated qualifications, including your written communication skills.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan is establishing an industry-sponsored Sport Innovation Center. This pioneering initiative brings together experts from across the university -- including Michigan Medicine, the College of Engineering, the School of Kinesiology, the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, the Institute for Social Research, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts -- in collaboration with an industry partner to drive innovation and advance sport performance worldwide.

The Sport Innovation Center Research Operations and Project Manager will manage and support the research operations of the Center and will interface with Researchers from all the affiliated units and their respective RAs, and will coordinate the annual research budget of approximately $5M/year.

This multifaceted role requires project management expertise to handle the various timelines, roles, and responsibilities associated with sponsored research awards. Additionally, it includes organizing and managing related activities directly with external sponsors, such as reporting requirements and project coordination. This role will coordinate and manage budgets for financials specializing in both pre- and post-award activities.

This position reports to the director of the Sport Innovation Center. This is a new position for the university, and we anticipate that responsibilities and percentage of time spent on specific job functions may shift and change over time.

Who We Are

The Sport Innovation Center aims to create disruptive innovations that enhance athletic performance and the support staff will enable this mission with an emphasis on collaboration, customer service, teamwork and cooperation.

Responsibilities*

(EF) = Essential Functions

Pre-award activities:

• Oversee the development of Project Authorizations and related budgets. (EF)
• Assist with entry of the grant information in eResearch Proposal Management and associated platforms. (EF)
• Participate in review/editing/formatting of administrative shell documents. (EF)
• Develop multi-year Center budget, reflecting the priorities of the Center co-Directors and portfolio of associated proposals and renewals. (EF)
• Ensure compliance with sponsor terms, University policies/procedures and federal regulations. (EF)

Post-award activities:

• Develop and maintain subcontracts under award to include the financial oversight, review of invoices and timely billing. (EF)
• Review and reconcile awards across cost share and sponsored research funds using MReports, Business Objects and other tools; process journal entries as needed. (EF)
• Collaborate with PIs to monitor grant progress and activities, establish and track encumbrances as necessary. (EF)
• Manage standard reports and requests for financial information from the sponsor, sponsored programs, financial operations, subcontract sites and subaccounts, along with processing any sponsor carryforward/no cost extension requests should funds remain. (EF)
• Create post-award change requests and supplements. (EF)
• Work with the team to manage the quarterly progress reports, including effort, budgeting, compliance, and submission. (EF)
• Complete award close-out process and obtain signatures. (EF)

Financial management:

• Monitor reconciliations, review financial reports, and ensure compliance with internal controls. (EF)
• Prepare budgets, financial projections, and journal entries in collaboration with department leadership. (EF)
• Manage cost-sharing, track commitments, and monitor University Designated Codes (UDCs). (EF)
• Collaborate with OVPR research administration team to ensure the Center is compliant with protocols, internal awards, and cost share reporting.

Culture and Compliance:

• Maintain a supportive working environment that fosters equal treatment, teamwork and professional development. (EF)
• Foster a sense of community between faculty, staff and students; formulate and empower teams to promote communication; build trust within and between groups; and lead by example.
• Develop and document department policies and procedures, creating transparency through accessibility.

Other:

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of related professional experience.
• Experience in pre-award activities, including the steps involved with grant submission, and knowledge of submission platforms (eResearch Proposal Management, ASSIST, grants.gov, etc.)
• Experience in grant administration for Federal and Non-Federal sponsors to include knowledge of Federal guidelines for grants, uniform guidance, and cooperative agreements.
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Word and Excel, and Wolverine Access (M-Reports, Financials/Physical Resources, Human Resource Management System, Business Objects, etc.) or similar reporting systems.

Competencies Required

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines, and strong attention to detail are necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates should have the ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team environment, or independently, and interact effectively with faculty and peers.
• Demonstrated excellent critical thinking and analytic skills with a proven ability to productively handle ambiguity and uncertainty in a complex and fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality.
• Ongoing commitment to supporting the university's and related units' values.

Desired Qualifications*

• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly learn, U-M policies and procedures is highly desired to ensure awareness and compliance, including human resources, sponsored programs, financial management, procurement, travel, facilities, and student services.
• Master's in Business Administration.
• At least 8 years of related professional experience.
• A proven record in administration or finance in a research or related organization, preferably in higher education.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. However, in this role, we would expect the person who holds this position to be on campus a minimum of 3 days/week. 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 the work modes.

Additional Information

The general annual full-time salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000, with eligibility to participate in the university's 2026 merit program. An offer may be extended outside of this range based on equity, experience, knowledge, and skills for the position. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process. Benefits are included with this position.

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities
  

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.