Job No: 526898
Work Type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Project Management & Training
Union: PSU
Categories: Accounting/Finance/Budget, PSU A

Discover UMass Amherst

At UMass Amherst, recognized as the flagship institution of the Commonwealth, we pride ourselves on being a leading public research university. Situated on a picturesque 1,450-acre campus in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, we offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Our vibrant campus community is enriched by its proximity to major urban centers and the collaborative spirit fostered by the Five Colleges consortium, which includes Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges.

Explore Research & Engagement

UMass Amherst is home to over 31,000 students, 1,400 faculty members, and 5,000 staff across 11 schools and colleges. With more than 800 faculty leading a diverse array of sponsored research projects funded by federal, state, and private sources, we anticipate expenditures surpassing $240 million in 2023, reflecting our commitment to innovation and public service.

Position Overview

The Senior Research Support Manager specializing in Grants & Finance plays a pivotal role in the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement (VCRE) Office. This position demands a unique blend of skills in research accounting, financial oversight, and procurement management. The Senior Manager collaborates with a range of stakeholders to address the financial and operational complexities associated with substantial research awards, providing essential support and resolution for issues escalated by award support staff within the university.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparation and Support for Major Awards
  • Work closely with Principal Investigators (PIs), research administrators, and support teams to effectively prepare for the financial nuances of newly secured large-scale research projects.
  • Guide teams proactively through budgeting, financial planning, and procurement strategies to ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements.
  • Act as an essential link between the VCRE office and campus community to streamline the initiation and management of significant awards.
  • Create forecasting tools to assess financial needs and potential challenges in managing large research initiatives.
• Leadership and Team Development
  • Oversee and nurture a team of pre- and post-award support staff, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives and individual professional development.
  • Efficiently delegate responsibilities while maintaining oversight of intricate financial, procurement, and human resource activities.
  • Provide guidance in resolving complex issues and serve as a primary point of escalation for challenging scenarios.
  • Conduct regular team meetings to assess progress, address concerns, and update members on policies and best practices.
• Incident Management
  • Address incidents and intricate challenges that arise from College-level post-award support staff, offering expertise in problem resolution.
  • Perform thorough analyses of financial, procurement, and compliance issues impacting ongoing research projects and implement necessary corrective actions.
  • Work collaboratively with college and department staff, as well as PIs, to ensure timely problem resolution and enhance communication among stakeholders.
• Expertise and Guidance
  • Serve as a research accounting, budgeting, and procurement expert, providing strategic direction to campus staff on best practices and policies.
  • Facilitate training initiatives and workshops aimed at enhancing the research financial management skills of college-level post-award support staff.
  • Advise the AVCRSS on process improvements, policy enhancements, and tools to boost efficiency in post-award support.
• Compliance Assurance and Reporting
  • Ensure adherence to federal, state, and institutional regulations in all areas of research accounting, budgeting, and procurement.
  • Collaborate with internal auditors and compliance officers to refine relevant procedures.
  • Assist in crafting reports, data analyses, and presentations for senior leadership, ensuring thorough communication of vital information.

Additional Responsibilities

• Carry out other assigned tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in research accounting, budgeting, procurement, or financial management in higher education or a research-oriented environment.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification (either at hire or obtainable within 18 months of starting the position).
• Robust analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Demonstrated capacity to navigate complex financial and operational environments effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of federal and state grant regulations, institutional policies, and compliance guidelines.
• Superb communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in financial software, accounting systems, and research management platforms.
• Capability to manage confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA, or a relevant related field).

Working Conditions

• Conducive office environment.

Work Hours

• 37.5 hours per week, with some flexibility required to meet project deadlines and address urgent matters.
• This role offers potential remote work arrangements as defined by the University’s parameters for employees working away from the UMass Amherst campus. As this position is governed by the Professional Staff Union, it aligns with the terms outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Details

Level 28

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Application Instructions

Please submit your application along with a resume. References will be verified once candidates reach the final stages of the hiring process, so be prepared to provide contact details for three professional references. Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled, and early submissions are strongly encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and welcomes qualified applicants that uphold the principles of equal opportunity, complying with all anti-discrimination laws.

Advertised: May 9 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close: August Eastern Daylight Time