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DIR, RESEARCH ADMIN DECISION SUPPORT
Job Title: DIR, RESEARCH ADMIN DECISION SUPPORT
Job Code: 3824
FLSA: E
Job Level: 16
Revised Date: 12/04/2019
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Director of Research Administration (Decision Support) is responsible for providing strategic analytical support to multiple schools (Medicine and Nursing) and multiple departments within the organization, providing business intelligence, and expert knowledge of research administration operations.
As it relates to these objectives, identifies key issues, analytics, trends and problem areas and communicates findings and recommendations to senior leaders.
Work Performed
Decision Support
Coordinates with other research administration business functions (pre- award, award management, contracts) to identify potential opportunities to facilitate organizational improvement and success.
Design and develop data reporting tools and systems to support research administration business operations.
Determine data and reporting needs, frequency of report distribution, actions to be taken, and approach for escalating issues to senior leadership.
Support leadership research administration business decision-making by managing, prioritizing and synthesizing operational information needs. Develop and maintain a data repository to provide relevant information that support strategic planning and decision-making.
Risk Monitoring and Issue Resolution
Identify and perform risk assessments of research administration activities, and develop, implement and oversee the execution of monitoring programs and metrics to test for compliance with university and sponsor regulations.
Plan, develop and coordinate the preparation of actionable risk data and analyses including, but not limited to, operational reports, financial statements, statistical reports, cost analyses and other operational, compliance, financial and programmatic information.
Maintain liaison with business unit managers and research administration leaders to advise units regarding risks and trends in various research administration functions.
Assist in the development, implementation and management of systems, structures and other operational policies and procedures as appropriate to support managers and other research administration leaders in resolving issues to resolve issues and mitigate compliance risk.
Policy/Procedure Development and Implementation
Make recommendations and implement process and policy changes for research administration functions at the School and Department levels. Define and quantify specific cost savings opportunities from instituting process changes; recommend improvements/changes supported by well- documented business plan.
Create process maps and work flow diagrams for process changes, performance improvements and procedures including existing and future states.
Research, draft and compile data/information needed for facilitating project progress and reporting on issues and solutions.
Assist managers with implementation of business intelligence tools and related systems.
Miscellaneous Duties as Assigned
Keep up-to-date of changes involving internally and externally imposed policies and procedures.
Act as a resource for any compliance questions/issues using existing knowledge, experience and available resources (e.g., sponsor regulations, University policies) for supporting and/or providing guidance within the MNMC research community.
Special projects/initiatives as identified by senior research administration leaders.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
BA/BS degree in Business or related field. MS degree in related field or equivalent preferred.
Experience
Six years of related decision support, risk monitoring, policy implementation or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. Experience in research administration/grants management in an academic medical center preferred.
Skills
Business process analysis competencies including advanced topics with Excel and/or enterprise data management systems.
Demonstrated experience with process mapping, evaluation of inefficiencies and the identification of creative and cost-effective alternatives.
Evidence of success as a sole contributor and as a member of cross- functional teams.
Excellent written, oral and conversational communication skills to effectively work with diverse groups.
Ability to analyze, evaluate multiple solutions and solve complex problems using judgement and well developed critical & analytical thinking skills.
Attention to detail needed to operate accurately and effectively in the regulatory environment.
Flexibility and ability to work on multiple initiatives simultaneously.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
