Associate Director eRA Systems

Position Description - Associate Director, eRA Systems Position Information
HR Title Associate Director, eRA Systems
Job Code 102033 (Information Technology Academic/Administrative Divisions Intermediate Director)
Job Family IT250 (Information Technology)
Salary Information Salary Range from $ 120,000 Salary Range to $155,000
Position Description Summary U-M EEO/AA Statement
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and to maintain the excellence of the University.
We welcome applications from anyone who would bring additional dimensions to the University's research mission, including women, members of minority groups, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, like the University of Michigan as a whole, is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons and will not discriminate against any individual because of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, height, weight, or veteran status.
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 must outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of this position.
Job Summary A remote work option is available.
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan.
In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution.
It's adding a purpose to your profession.
Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Projects (ORSP) safeguards and advances U-M's research enterprise by providing its partners with efficient pre-award and non-financial post-award services for the compliant administration of externally sponsored grants, contracts, and ancillary agreements.
ORSP aspires to be recognized across the globe as the leading provider of innovative, and high-value guidance on the conduct of sponsored research and other funded activities.
Additional information regarding ORSP is available on our website.
The Associate Director, eRA Systems, is a leadership role within our Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) that oversees critical functions related to electronic research administration (eRA) and sponsored projects coordination.
This role involves providing strategic direction, supervising the eRA Systems Manager and the Manager, Sponsored Projects Coordination, and their team of Sponsored Project Coordinators, and collaborating with internal partners to enhance eRA systems and streamline sponsored projects processes.
The Associate Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness of research administration.
The successful candidate will have strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, effective communication skills, both written and verbal, the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and a commitment to maintaining data security and confidentiality.
Under the direction of the Executive Director, Sponsored Projects, this position is responsible for the following:

Principal Job Duties
Approximate
% of Time in this activity
Talent Management and Leadership:
Provide direct supervision and guidance to the eRA Systems Manager and the Manager, Sponsored Projects Coordination.
Foster a collaborative and productive work environment, setting clear goals and expectations for both teams.
Support professional development and growth opportunities for team members.
Utilize delivered business intelligence reports to monitor and address accuracy of data management by teams.
30%
eRA Systems Strategy and Enhancement:
Collaborate with the eRA Systems Manager, ITS, and Executive Director to establish and execute a comprehensive eRA systems strategy.
Oversee the design and deployment of enhancements to existing eRA systems in coordination with the IT department.
Ensure that system improvements align with the evolving needs of ORSP and the research community.
35%
Business Process Transformation:
Work closely with the eRA Systems Manager and other stakeholders to transform existing business processes into integrated system workflows.
Identify opportunities for automation, optimization, and efficiency improvements in electronic research administration processes.
Streamline data capture, reporting, and compliance efforts.
Provide data-driven insights to support decision-making within the department.
20%
Strategic Planning and Compliance:
Collaborate with the ORSP Leadership to develop and implement a strategic vision for research administration systems and sponsored projects coordination.
Ensure compliance with institutional policies, sponsor guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in research administration.
15%
System Administration and Oversight:
Facilitate the resolution of technical issues, provide guidance, and ensure effective communication between ORSP and IT.
Collaborate with IT staff to troubleshoot and resolve complex system-related issues.
5%
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and seven (7) years of progressively responsible relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of general management principles and practices, skill in dealing with others in work relationships involving mentoring, receiving and delivering feedback, teamwork, conflict resolutions, problem-solving and the ability to make tough decisions.
Proven experience in system administration, enhancement deployment, and business process transformation.
Strong technical proficiency and familiarity with databases.
Proven project management skills, including the ability to plan, execute, and manage system-related projects.
Familiarity with Agile, Scrum, or similar methodologies
Desired Qualifications Working knowledge of U-M's electronic research administration system(s).
Working knowledge of sponsor software systems (e.g.
eRA Commons, Research.gov, Proposal Central, etc.).
Familiarity with U-M policies and procedures related to research administration (including, but not limited to, accounting, purchasing, personnel, and regulatory compliance).
Proven experience in electronic research administration systems, including system administration, enhancement deployment, and business process transformation.
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