26-115: Department Research Administrator

Job Description

Job Description
Position Summary:
The individual in this position will provide financial and project management support for a diverse portfolio of sponsored research projects to ensure they are successfully managed from proposal development through project completion. Working closely with principal investigators, the CIRA Finance Team, and university stakeholders, the individual in this position will oversee budget planning, financial monitoring, proposal preparation, and compliance with sponsor and university requirements. This role will help ensure research activities remain on schedule, within budget, and aligned with organizational and sponsor expectations while supporting the institute's overall research mission.
Full Consideration Date: please apply by Monday, 9/21/2026, 11:59pm (MT).
Conditions of Employment:
The individual in this position will be required to be in office at CIRA for a minimum of 3 days per week with an option to telework 2 days a week. For the first 60 days, the individual in this position will be required to be in office 4 days per week for training.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start of the position because CIRA will not sponsor a visa for this position now nor in the future.
Supervision:
The individual in this position will not directly supervise employees.
Essential Job Duties:
Manage
a diverse portfolio of sponsored research awards, including federal, international, private sector, and non-profit grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements by monitoring financial activity, making day-to-day expenditure decisions, and ensuring compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
Facilitate
the preparation and submission of scientific research proposals to federal, state, local, international, industry, foundation, and other sponsors by managing proposal timelines and ensuring compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
Interpret
sponsor regulations, university policies, and award terms to
provide
financial guidance, resolve complex funding and compliance issues, and recommend appropriate courses of action to project stakeholders.
Maintain and analyze
project forecasts, staffing plans, and expenditure tracking tools to monitor spending, project available balances, anticipate funding needs, and support informed decision-making throughout the award lifecycle.
Collaborate
across functional teams, including principal investigators, the Office of Sponsored Programs, university departments, and external partners, to resolve complex research administration, financial, and compliance issues; interpret sponsor and institutional policies; and coordinate pre-award and post-award activities to ensure effective stewardship and successful management of sponsored research throughout the award lifecycle.
Minimum Qualifications:
NOTE: In the body of your resume, please specifically address all required qualifications when describing your work experience. A resume that fails to address the qualifications of this position will not be considered by the search committee.
Bachelor's Degree;
Experience using Microsoft Office, with advanced knowledge of Excel;
Knowledge/experience with budgeting, accounting, and/or financial management;
Time management/ task prioritization skills essential to meeting critical deadlines;
information-gathering skills with ability to use information to make a decision/solve problems.
Preferred Qualifications:
NOTE: In the body of your resume, please specifically address all applicable preferred qualifications when describing your work experience. A resume that fails to address the qualifications of this position will not be considered by the search committee.
Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business;
Experience with interpreting and ensuring compliance with regulatory policy;
financial working knowledge and project management within an institution of higher education;
Effective oral and written communication skills;
Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.
Application Instructions:
Applications must be submitted via online portal. We will not accept materials sent via email or other mode. NOTE: In the body of your resume, please specifically address all required qualifications and applicable preferred qualifications when describing your work experience. A resume that fails to address the qualifications of this position will not be considered by the search committee. Likewise, an online application with a generic cover letter or missing a cover letter will not be considered by the search committee. References will be requested for finalists and will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Salary Range
$60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Required Application Documents
To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Cover Letter, Resume/CV

Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here.
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Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO
Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.