CMU is a top-ranked private research-intensive university based in Pittsburgh, PA, with a vision of fostering transformative impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The university is internationally recognized for its programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, science, humanities, and fine arts, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Last year, CMU’s research expenditures exceeded $720 million, supported by industry partners across major sectors, federal agencies such as the NSF, DoD, DOE, NIH, and ARPA-H, as well as nonprofit foundations and international organizations.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is seeking a Manager, Effort Reporting and Compliance to join the team. OVPR has responsibility for nurturing interdisciplinary research initiatives at one of the nations' leading research institutions. OVPR provides overall research administration and policy for all colleges and schools, as well as the university's more than 100 centers and institutes. Working closely with deans, department heads, faculty, students and staff, the office provides an innovative and supportive research environment that spans all disciplines and campuses and assures that research activities are planned and conducted in accordance with regulations and University policy.
This position serves as a senior partner to faculty, departmental research administrators, and central offices in managing effort reporting and non-financial post-award compliance.
It also leads the university’s effort reporting program and related administrative processes not only to ensure compliance, but to support faculty in managing complex research portfolios effectively. The Manager brings clarity to regulatory requirements, anticipates risk, and works collaboratively across the institution to resolve issues and improve processes.
Operating at a high level of independence, this role navigates complex scenarios, advises on sponsor requirements, and contributes to the continuous improvement of CMU’s post-award administrative systems and practices.
Core Responsibilities:
Effort Reporting Program Leadership
- Lead the university-wide effort certification process, ensuring timely completion across all units while maintaining a strong focus on faculty experience and clarity.
- Monitor certification progress, identify patterns and risks, and proactively engage departments to resolve issues before they escalate.
- Review effort data in the context of broader research activity, identifying discrepancies and working collaboratively with Departmental Research Support personnel and finance partners to resolve them.
- Ensure that effort reporting processes are audit-ready while minimizing administrative burden on faculty and staff.
- Support institutional readiness for audits and external reviews by maintaining clear documentation and consistent practices.
Systems Stewardship and Process Ownership
- Serve as the functional lead for the institution’s effort reporting system, managing certification cycles and ensuring smooth operation across the university.
- Partner with IT and system teams to resolve issues, improve usability, and implement enhancements aligned with evolving workflows and systems.
- Maintain high standards for data integrity, documentation, and transparency within institutional systems.
- Contribute to the design and refinement of workflows that connect effort reporting to broader post-award and financial processes.
Post-Award Administrative Partnership
- Coordinate non-financial post-award administrative actions, including prior approvals, no-cost extensions, changes in scope, key personnel updates, and subaward modifications.
- Interpret sponsor terms and conditions and provide clear, actionable guidance to departments and faculty.
- Work closely with OSP, SPA, and contracts teams to ensure alignment across administrative, financial, and contractual aspects of awards.
Faculty and Staff Partnership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to departmental research administrators and faculty on effort reporting and related compliance requirements.
- Translate complex regulatory expectations into practical guidance that supports faculty in managing their research effectively.
- Support PIs in managing complex portfolios by providing expertise in effort, commitments, and administrative requirements.
Training, Guidance, and Customer Support
- Develop and deliver training that builds institutional understanding of effort reporting and post-award administrative processes.
- Mentor staff across the research support community, contributing to the development of expertise and consistency across roles.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, reduce administrative burden, and enhance the effectiveness of research support.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, research administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Five (5) years of progressive experience in research administration, sponsored projects management, or a closely related field, with demonstrated experience managing complex post-award or compliance-related activities.
- Experience supporting complex or large-scale research portfolios (e.g., multi-PI awards, center grants, industry-sponsored research) preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies related to sponsored research (e.g., Uniform Guidance, effort reporting, cost principles), and translate them into practical guidance.
- Experience leading or contributing to audit readiness, compliance reviews, or system implementations, preferred.
- Experience working with enterprise research administration and financial systems (e.g., HRS/Huron, Oracle, Workday, or similar), with the ability to navigate and improve system-supported workflows.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to process improvement, training, or mentoring within a research administration or compliance functions.
- A combination of education and meaningful experience from which comparable knowledge is proven may be considered.
Additional Requirements:
- Successful background check
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Research AdministrationPosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
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Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.