Job Description

A humble college founded before Texas was a state, Baylor now stands as one of the premier institutions of higher education in the world. Baylor has continued to invest in research and doctoral education, both solidifying and elevating its unique status as a preeminent Christian research university. Baylor is among 187 R1 institutions, just 52 of which are private universities.

Since 2011, Baylor has been named as one of the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” Great Colleges to Work For® is one of the country’s largest and most respected workplace recognition programs. Each year, Great Colleges recognizes the colleges and universities that get top employee ratings regarding workplace practices and policies across 10 areas. This recognition is based on faculty and staff responses to a related annual survey. The survey, conducted by ModernThink, is a way for colleges and universities to gain a deeper understanding of how their employees experience and view various aspects of the institution. This continued recognition further affirms Baylor as a rewarding place to build a career.

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking a Research Administration Training Manager who will be responsible for designing, developing, delivering, and continuously improving training programs that build research administration competency across the institution. This role serves as the primary educational resource for research administrators, faculty, department administrators, and other stakeholders engaged in sponsored research activities.

In addition to training responsibilities, this position maintains an active portfolio as a practicing Research Administrator, providing direct pre- and post-award support for an assigned set of principal investigators and departments. This dual role ensures that training content remains grounded in current practice and that the incumbent maintains up-to-date expertise in federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

A Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant work experience are required. A Master’s degree or professional certification (Certified Research Administrator or equivalent) and five years of relevant work experience are preferred.

A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge/skills/abilities:

• Regulatory Knowledge. Deep understanding of federal and sponsor requirements governing the lifecycle of sponsored awards.
• Instructional Expertise. Ability to translate operational knowledge into effective learning experiences for diverse audiences.
• Analytical Thinking. Capacity to interpret complex policy language, identify compliance risk, and problem-solve in novel situations.
• Relationship Management. Skill in building trust and effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and administrative leadership.
• Adaptability. Comfort working in a dynamic regulatory environment and managing shifting institutional priorities.
• Attention to Detail. Precision in reviewing proposals, awards, and financial reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.

What You Will Do

Training Program Development & Delivery

• Design and manage a comprehensive research administration training curriculum covering pre-award, post-award, compliance, and financial management topics
• Develop and maintain training materials including instructor-led courses, e-learning modules, quick reference guides, job aids, policy summaries, and recorded webinars
• Deliver live training sessions, both in-person and virtual, for new and experienced research administration staff, faculty, and department personnel
• Establish and maintain a learning management system or equivalent platform for tracking participation, completion, and competency development
• Conduct needs assessments to identify training gaps, prioritize curriculum development, and measure training effectiveness through evaluations and outcome metrics
• Monitor changes in federal regulations (2 CFR 200, FAR, DFARS, NIH Grants Policy Statement, NSF PAPPG, etc.) and sponsor-specific requirements; update training content accordingly
• Develop and facilitate a research administration community of practice to support peer learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development
• Coordinate with external professional organizations (NCURA, SRA International, COGR) to bring relevant educational resources and certifications to institutional staff

Research Administration Practice

• Serve as a Research Administrator for an assigned portfolio of principal investigators and departments, providing cradle-to-grave sponsored project management
• Prepare, review, and submit grant and contract proposals in accordance with sponsor guidelines and institutional requirements, including budgets, budget justifications, and required certifications
• Manage post-award activities including account setup, effort reporting, budget monitoring, subcontract administration, no-cost extensions, and closeout procedures
• Interpret and apply federal regulations, sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional policies to ensure compliance on sponsored awards
• Maintain current knowledge of tools and systems (e.g., Huron Research Suite) used in the administration of sponsored research

Leadership & Strategic Contribution

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service to the research community
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for policy interpretation, best practices, and research administration standards
• Mentor junior research administration staff and provide guidance on complex transactions and compliance questions

Additional Duties

• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!

Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.