Experience Inc. Jobs

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $240,000 - $280,000

Position Summary

The Department of Medicine (DoM) is seeking a Chief Administrative Research Officer (CARO) to lead the development of a high-quality and successful research enterprise. As a senior executive, the CARO oversees and supports the administration of DoM's research portfolio, aligning with the department's business plan to create effective technical solution teams (i.e., pre- and post-award cores). This role involves designing and implementing programs, methods, tools, platforms, practices, and other activities to support the department's research enterprise and engaging with university administrators, faculty researchers, and collaborative partners in basic, applied, and advanced research.

Reporting to the Department Administrator/COO, the CARO will lead the Research Administration team and be financially responsible for the department's overall research portfolio. The CARO will collaborate closely with departmental and division leadership, the grants management team, principal investigators, and other University and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with Department of Medicine, Columbia University, Federal, and sponsor-specific requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a research strategy that aligns with the Department's strategic plan.
• Create and implement an action plan for enhancing research-related processes, workflows, and infrastructure to build technically capable and competitive teams for research funding and compliance.
• Serve as a catalyst for change in research administration and compliance activities.
• Oversee the financial performance of the Department's research portfolio, ensuring full recovery of indirect costs and maximizing direct cost spend.
• Monitor and report on the Department's sponsored research portfolio, including overall and categorical grant support, unfunded and over-the-cap salary, and the number and types of awards.
• Work with Division and Finance teams to monitor department-funded research, including start-up and retention packages.
• Partner with departmental directors, especially the Director of Budget and Finance, to achieve departmental goals.
• Manage a staff of grants management professionals, ensuring their development, training, and performance.
• Collaborate with Division Administrators to supervise staff and with Human Resources for recruitment.
• Develop project-specific and summary financial reports for the team.
• Manage and monitor the Research Administration budget.
• Provide leadership and expertise in sponsored research management.
• Foster a collegial atmosphere that supports the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse and inclusive team, developing succession plans for future leaders.
• Engage in the preparation of atypical grant proposals (e.g., program project grants, cooperative agreements).
• Lead the development of new research initiatives and training programs.
• Resolve contractual issues and disputes.
• Serve on the Department's research committee and the Innovation Nucleation Fund (INF) committee, administering the INF program.
• Act as a subject matter expert in sponsored projects administration, including research compliance, procurement, financial reporting, sub-award monitoring, and program-related audit functions.
• Provide guidance on purchasing policies, compliance matters, and best practices to Principal Investigators and project key personnel.
• Ensure compliance with all rules and regulations and keep relevant staff informed of updates.
• Maintain and develop relationships with University offices, departments, and external agencies.
• Serve as the primary contact for University offices and external funding agencies regarding research administration.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience, plus six years of related experience.
• Master's degree would substitute in part for experience
• Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills with success in strategic and operational messaging.
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
• Experience in research, program or project administration, and collaborative work.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, be self-reliant, a problem solver, results-oriented, and capable of making decisions in a dynamic environment while anticipating future needs.
• Strong negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with multiple constituencies and foster a culture of collaboration.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), demonstrating cultural awareness and promoting DEI efforts.
• Proven track record in driving results and business and financial management, including budget management, outcome measurement, and improvement.
• Ability to create a people-first culture that values teamwork and recognizes the importance of individuals to the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience with 5-10 years in program/academic leadership, financial, administrative, and sponsored projects management in an academic medical center.
• Knowledge of Federal grants portals (e.g., NSF Fastlane, Research.gov, Grants.gov Workspace, eRA Commons ASSIST).
• Educational or practical experience in biological science or a related field.
• Experience in managing a team and working collaboratively with peers.
• Knowledge of CUMC systems and research regulations (federal, state, local), NIH, and other sponsors.

Other Requirements

• Successful completion of applicable compliance and systems training requirements.