This position is based on Stanford’s main campus with consideration given to the option for a hybrid work schedule (partially onsite and offsite), subject to operational need. Interested candidates must include a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment VISA.
About Us
The Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability strives to create a future when humans and nature thrive in concert and in perpetuity. The school is made up of a three-part structure to drive global impact: Our academic departments and programs educate students and create new knowledge across areas of research that are crucial for advancing the long-term prosperity of the planet and people; Institutes bridge scholarship at Stanford and beyond, bringing multiple viewpoints to bear on urgent challenges; The Sustainability Accelerator drives new policy and technology solutions through a worldwide network of partners who work with our teams to develop solutions at a global scale. The school is dedicated to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, and to creating solutions that benefit all people, particularly those most affected by environmental damage and climate change.
Environmental Social Sciences at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is a new and rapidly growing department. The mission of the department is to shed light on the causes of humanity’s sustainability challenges, to design and evaluate potential business strategies, public policies, and behavioral interventions to meet these challenges, and to educate future scholars and leaders who will further our vision of understanding and solving these challenges.
The Environmental Social Sciences Department is seeking a full-time Research Administrator 3 who will work under the general supervision of the Director of Finance and Operations and will be an integral part of an inaugural finance and research administrative team. The ideal candidate must possess and demonstrate a positive outlook on continuous process improvement efforts while maintaining a team-based and customer-focused mindset. This position is responsible for budgeting, planning, forecasting, monitoring, reconciliation, monthly reporting to the faculty, and all pre and post award activity for the portfolios of assigned faculty members and their research groups. This is an exciting opportunity for an entrepreneurial self-starter and team player interested in making an impact in standing up a new academic department.
Your Responsibilities will include:
- Prepare complex proposals within parameters of sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and communicate submission process, both paper and electronic; resolve issues relating to proposal preparation and submittal process.
- Develop, prepare, revise, and finalize project budgets, and provide budget justification; obtain cost sharing commitment and support. Serve as liaison and active partner between principal investigators, Office of Sponsored Research, research groups, and other departments; respond to sponsor inquiries; advise of new regulations.
- Collaborate with the Office of Sponsored Research to ensure awards are set up properly and cost-sharing requirements are fulfilled; initiate cost transfers.
- Review and approve expenditures, advise on post award spending and commitment activity, and oversee compliance related to fund and revenue.
- Develop and communicate reports supporting project status; create forecasting models, scenarios, and decision aides.
- Manage contract closeout process and audit inquiries; submit final reports and certificates.
- Interpret complex university and government policies (FAR, Cost Accounting Standards, Office of Management and Budget circulars, sponsored guidelines, etc.) for project and university personnel and help guide other staff in interpreting complex policies.
- Identify and implement process improvements. Participate in and lead cross campus projects. Train and advise on issues requiring specific technical expertise.
- Oversee and review work of other staff. May supervise, train and mentor other staff.
- Serve as a resource on subject area to principal investigator staff.
To be successful in this position, you will need:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree and five years of job-related experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Expert knowledge and fluency of governmental regulations (e.g. FAR, A-21, A-110, A-133, CAS).
- Knowledge and ability to understand, interpret, and communicate university policies and procedures.
- Excellent oral, written, and communication skills.
- Excellent analytical skills; demonstrated proficiency in Excel and web-based tools.
- Strong accounting skills; knowledge of accounting principles.
- Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting.
- Strong knowledge of property management requirements related to Stanford or non-Stanford title of equipment and fabrications.
- Expert in project management, including managing international collaborations and complex multi-sub award contracts.
- Knowledge of personnel management, including proposing effort for and training and hiring of students, post-doctorals, academic appointments, regular staff, bargaining unit staff, and consultants, along with the circumstances appropriate for each type of position.
- Extreme attention to detail.
- Ability to review a proposal or manage a project with understanding of the overall scope and goal of each sponsored project.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Cardinal Research Administration Foundational Training (CRAFT) I and II must be completed to remain in this position.
In addition, our preferred qualifications include:
- Knowledge of Stanford University systems and policies.
How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching, and clinical missions.
