Department
RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION (UA-RSCH-IUBLA)
Department Information
The Office for Research Administration reviews and submits all proposals to funding agencies; approves contracts for sponsored programs and research; and manages post-award compliance and reporting. We provide complete and cohesive services, effective communication, and administrative support to faculty, administrators, and collaborators on a consistent and timely basis through knowledge sharing and fostering dialogue to support the research of IU.
Job Summary
Department-Specific Responsibilities
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Serves as a central compliance and post-award oversight specialist within the university's central research administration office.
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Responsible for ensuring that sponsored project expenditures, salary allocations, incoming funds, and sponsor financial reporting requirements are managed in accordance with federal, sponsor, and institutional regulations.
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Provides expert-level guidance on post-award compliance, monitors expenditures for allowability and allocability, oversees federal effort confirmation, manages the accurate receipt and allocation of sponsored funds, and supports the preparation and submission of sponsor-required financial reports, invoices, and closeout documentation.
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Supports audit coordination and serves as a key resource for faculty and Departmental research administrators, offering consultative support on complex financial, reporting, and compliance-related inquiries. Through analytical review, system coordination, and collaborative problem-solving, the position contributes to the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the university's research enterprise.
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Advises faculty, researchers, departments and other ORA staff to ensure compliance with agency and University policies, guidelines and procedures, and to ensure that expenditures are appropriate for the associated account(s).
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Monitors when assigned, expenditure transactions on sponsored project accounts for allowability, allocability, reasonableness, and financial compliance with University, state, federal, and sponsor requirements, and allows or disallows the transactions accordingly.
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Audits and evaluates the validity of financial transactions for compliance with award, agency, Federal, State, and University requirements.
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Works directly with sponsoring agencies and external funding entities to prepare, submit, and resolve required financial and administrative deliverables, including but not limited to invoices, financial reports, closeout documentation, and other sponsor-required reporting, ensuring compliance with award terms and timely receipt of funding.
General Responsibilities
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Provides financial monitoring and analysis of contracts and grants and partners with Principal Investigator(s) to ensure expenses are being paid according to contract
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Consults on and completes pre-award applications and participates in contract closeouts.
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Performs post-award accounting of more complex grants; interprets regulations and guidelines of program funding for standard grants and prepares reports for grant agency.
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Evaluates contract compliance and advises others on contractual rights and obligations.
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Analyzes awards to determine reporting requirements and sending reports/invoices.
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Requests or approves amendments to contract terms or contract extensions.
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Prepares bids or requests for proposals (RFPs), including specifications and requirements; negotiates contract terms and participates in the determination of acceptable bids.
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Analyzes and determines cash needs for cost reimbursable grants to the various agencies and cash management.
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Closes out awards as appropriate.
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Provides policy and procedure interpretation to various stakeholders.
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Ensures compliance with sponsor terms, university policies/procedures, and federal/state regulations.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
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Bachelor's degree preferably in related field.
Preferred
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Master's degree in a related field
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
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2 years of relevant experience.
Preferred
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2 years in finance, financial administration, accounting, or related field.
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2 years experience with grants and awards administration or university or research policy/procedure.
SKILLS
Required
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Proficient communication skills.
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Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
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Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
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Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
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Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
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Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
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Highly thorough and dependable.
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Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
Preferred
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Proficiency in interpreting and applying complex award terms and conditions, as well as institutional policies related to sponsored research administration.
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Ability to conduct independent, high-level reviews of complex financial transactions and award documents with minimal supervision, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
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Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify and resolve financial compliance issues through detailed review of expenditures, exception reports, and supporting documentation.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, with the ability to manipulate and analyze financial data effectively.
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Ability to clearly explain financial compliance requirements and provide guidance to faculty and departmental research administrators.
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Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across central and departmental units, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
Bloomington, Indiana
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
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Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
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Health savings account with generous IU contributions
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Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
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Basic group life insurance paid by IU
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Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death and dismemberment insurance
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Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
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Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
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Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
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10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
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Generous paid time off plans
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Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
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Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Research
Job Family: Research Administration
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Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
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