Research Administration Director - Friedman School

As the only graduate school of nutrition in North America, the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy provides cutting-edge research and education-from individuals to food systems, and from genetics to policy. Read about our pledge to inclusive excellence, celebrate our wins with us, and explore our goals. You'll be joining a leading institution for evidence-based nutrition education, research, and public impact.

Our employee benefits will make you feel welcome at Tufts, and our strong sense of community will make you want to stay. If you are a team player and passionate about your work, we want you to read further.

This position plays a critical role in advancing the school's research mission by ensuring compliance, optimizing processes, and fostering collaboration across departments and university offices.

The Research Administration Director reports to the Executive Administrative Dean of the Friedman School and leads the Office of Sponsored Research Administration (SRA). This role provides strategic leadership and oversight for sponsored project administration (pre- and post-award), partnering with school leadership, faculty, department managers, and central Tufts research offices such as the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR). The Director ensures efficient research administration infrastructure, manages RA staff, and serves as a key resource for faculty and staff throughout the sponsored project lifecycle-from funding search to financial compliance-using systems like RAS.

The Friedman School Office of Sponsored Research Administration provides school-specific support for faculty research funding, handling pre-award (proposal preparation and submission) and post-award (grant management) functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic plan for sponsored project administration aligned with university-wide principles.
• Draft and review internal policies; define school-level policies, procedures, and tools for pre- and post-award management.
• Participate in pilot initiatives and support implementation of new university-wide systems.
• Assess and optimize RA resources to ensure efficient workflows and adequate coverage.
• Manage RA staff: define roles, onboard new hires, set goals, coach, mentor, and provide career development opportunities.
• Provide portfolio backstopping as needed.
• Oversee proposal development and submission; approve costs/rates and cost share; track submissions and awards; devise strategies to grow and diversify funding.
• Facilitate complex proposals and awards, including multi-department and multi-school initiatives.
• Oversee fiscal management of sponsored projects; assess synergies with Tufts Support Services (TSS) and Budget Center.
• Serve as the primary resource for resolving complex pre- and post-award issues; identify risks and implement mitigation strategies.