Senior Manager, Research Administration (Contract)

SUTD is a research-intensive university and is committed to making a meaningful impact through innovative research. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager to oversee our grant management processes and ensure the successful execution of our funding initiatives. Reporting to the Director, the Senior Manager will be responsible for overseeing the administration of all grant-related activities. This role requires a deep understanding of grant management, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and corporate services departments. The ideal candidate should have a proven track record in managing complex grant portfolios and will play a key role in ensuring our funding processes are efficient, compliant, and aligned with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Grant Management:

- Oversee and support the full grant lifecycle, including pre- and post-award matters.

- Review, develop and implement policies, procedures and guidelines to ensure compliance with grant requirements and standards.

- Manage relationships with grantors, including communication and reporting.

- Work closely with corporate services departments for research grant-related matters.

2. Financial Oversight:

- Collaborate with the Finance team to prepare financial reports, reconcile accounts, and address discrepancies.

- Manage requests for budget revision, cashflow projections, claims, variation, etc.

3. Proposal Development:

- Ensure proposal applications are aligned with organizational priorities and meet the requirements of funding agencies.

4. Compliance and Risk Management:

- Stay current on funding regulations, as well as policies, procedures and guidelines.

- Identify and mitigate potential risks and ensure compliance.

5. Team Leadership:

Manage and mentor a team of grant administrators and pillar/cluster coordinators.

Identify training opportunities to enhance team capabilities.

6. Strategic Planning:

- Work with leadership to implement grant strategy and meet funding goals.

- Identify new funding streams and opportunities

- Analyze grant performance metrics and provide recommendations for improvement.

7. Reporting and Communication:

Prepare and present reports on grant activities, progress, and outcomes to management and stakeholders.

8. Any other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time to time.

Qualification/Qualities:

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a scientific/technical discipline from a recognised institution.

- Minimum of 10 years of experience in grant administration and management, with at least 5 years in a managerial or senior role.

- Good understanding of the public sector research funding landscape and regulations.

- Knowledge of Intellectual Property and research contracting is an added advantage.

- Demonstrated leadership and team management abilities.

- High level of organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

- Strong organisational, and analytical skills; and excellent communication (written, verbal, and presentation) skills;

- Service-oriented mindset, and the ability to engage and collaborate with people at different levels of the organization.

- Ability to multi-task effectively, prioritize competing deadlines and produce quality work under time pressure.