Description

The Research Administrative Specialist supports the mission of the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve to lead and catalyze research, education, outreach and stewardship along Lake Superior’s coast by coordinating and administering sponsored grants and associated agreements in collaboration with Principal Investigators. This position will work directly with UW-Madison Extension, the Reserve director, and program coordinators to establish new awards, manage existing award budgets, and ensure timely and accurate reporting. They will empower staff to implement research, environmental monitoring, K-12 and community education, and ecological stewardship actions through a range of funding sources including the Reserve’s primary federal sponsor, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in alignment with the policies and processes of UW-Madison, the Division of Extension, and the Natural Resources Institute. They will help the Reserve achieve sustained and diversified funding by supporting the development of new proposals and cooperative agreements.

The Research Administrative Specialist provides some administrative support to the Reserve and coordinates facility use and materials procurement in collaboration with the director. They will build and sustain positive relationships with Reserve staff, Wisconsin Sea Grant staff co-located with the Reserve, and UW-Superior staff who operate and maintain the buildings as part of campus. The Specialist may occasionally assist with special projects aligned with sponsored awards, such as the biennial St. Louis River Summit.

The Reserve is located in Superior, Wisconsin, an area with ample outdoor recreation opportunities, cultural and civic events, and innovative university and public-school options. The successful candidate reports to the Reserve Director and will be part of a supportive and collaborative team that includes eleven full-time staff along with several interns, graduate and undergraduate researchers and fellows annually. Based at the headwaters of the Great Lakes, the Reserve provides a community-engaged workplace connected to the dynamic freshwater ecosystems within the 16,697-acre Reserve boundaries along the St. Louis River estuary.

Key Job Responsibilities: 

• Assists with management and coordination of select projects aligned with sponsored grants, agreements or awards to advance the Lake Superior Reserve mission.
• Provides administrative support for the Reserve including coordinating facilities and fleet usage and maintenance, participating in staff meetings, purchasing, and similar assistance to partners who share Reserve facilities, including Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve.
• Leads researchers in the preparation and/or maintenance documentation, financial management, and/or reporting requirements related to sponsored grants, contracts, or agreements
  Assures compliance with grant, contract or agreement requirements and determine whether objectives are being met
  May identify funding opportunities and disseminate to principal investigators
  Serves as a liaison and expert resource for researchers regarding the interpretation of policy and procedure related to overall sponsored project management
  Works collaboratively with researchers to prepare non-technical materials for proposals, drafting contracts or agreements for review, and/or advising award setup
  Maintains and monitors grants and contract budgets

Requirements

Required Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated strong communication skills, including clear written communications, and professional experience accurately translating policies, procedures and financial information to support programmatic decision making and actions.
2. Demonstrated success working as part of a collaborative team.
3. Professional experience developing, tracking and managing budgets, including proficiency with Excel.
4. Experience working independently to interpret and follow organizational policy and navigate financial procedures, such as contracts and procurement.

Preferred Qualifications:
1. At least two years of financial management experience, including developing and managing budgets, especially in the government or non-profit context.
2. Experience across the grant lifecycle, including the application process, managing sponsored award set up and subawards, budgets, reporting and closure of awards.
3. Interest or experience in sustainability, natural resources, or environmental sciences.

Education:
Minimum Education
Associate's Degree in a related field
Preferred Education
Bachelor's degree in a related field