New

Assistant Director of Research Administration

North Carolina State University

Commensurate Upon Education and Experience

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Raleigh

Nov 20, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194347EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Assistant Director of Research Administration
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate Upon Education and Experience
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday, 8am - 5pm, Flexible work arrangements, including virtual/hybrid work locations, may be available.
Job Location	Raleigh NC
Department
About the Department	The College of Sciences ( COS) brings together the mathematical, physical, and biological sciences in a research-intensive environment that simultaneously values excellence in teaching and strong community engagement. The COS Research Office is the nucleus of research administration and support, providing a full suite of pre- and post-award services to enhance the research, teaching, administrative, and outreach functions of the College. Key office responsibilities include proposal development and submission, portfolio management, effort reporting, and responding to departmental and faculty post-award and other research administration needs. While working in this unit, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment. NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State's land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution's mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	The Assistant Director of Research Administration ( ADRA) is a leadership role within the College of Sciences responsible for overseeing and coordinating all post-award research administration activities across departments, centers, and clusters. In this role you will ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance in post-award processes while supporting and training research administration staff. Additionally you will serve as a key liaison between COS departments, central university offices, external sponsors, and faculty researchers. This role reports to the Director of Research Administration, with a dotted-line relationship to the Associate Dean for Research. Key Responsibilities Include: Leadership & Oversight Supervise Senior Research Accountants, Research Accountants, and Technicians. Provide strategic oversight of post-award operations across COS. Lead regular team meetings and foster collaboration with Department Business Officers. Develop and implement SOPs and best practices. Serve as Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for post-award activities. Post-Award Portfolio Management Conduct monthly reviews of the CRO portfolio using internal systems (Airtable, Zendesk, WRS). Monitor financial compliance and audit risks. Ensure timely processing of summer salary, release time, PCard approvals, payroll actions, and other financial transactions. Coordinate smooth transitions from pre- to post-award activities. Reporting & Faculty Support Oversee tracking and submission of Research Performance Progress Reports (RPPRs). Ensure monthly financial reconciliation reports are delivered to PIs. Meet with faculty to review portfolios and address questions. Training & Performance Management Lead onboarding and ongoing training for post-award team members. Conduct performance reviews and manage improvement plans. Foster a team-oriented, service-driven culture. Liaison & Representation Represent COS Research Administration at university-level meetings and events.
Other Responsibilities	N/A

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor's degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications	Experience in research administration, accounting, compliance, or financial oversight within an academic, research, or similarly complex organization. Direct involvement working with or supporting federal sponsors (e.g., NIH, NSF) and familiarity with sponsor-specific regulations and requirements. Demonstrated leadership, team-management, and staff-guidance competencies in complex administrative environments. Problem-solving, analytical, and independent decision-making skills. Ability to clearly and professionally conveys complex research administration information to faculty, staff, central offices, and sponsors, fostering shared understanding, coordinated action, and a customer-focused approach. Effectively manages multiple priorities and projects in fast-paced, high-volume environments while maintaining accuracy, attention to detail, and professional composure.
Preferred Qualifications	5+ years of research administration experience with strong grant financial management. 2+ years of managerial experience. Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and engage with faculty, staff, and stakeholders across campus. Familiarity with NC State systems (PINS, RED, WRS) or similar university research platforms, and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, or similar tools. Skill in developing, documenting, and implementing efficient procedures and standard operating processes.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	11/19/2025
Anticipated Close Date	Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Details

Position Number	00108902
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	170501 - College of Sciences Research
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.