Manager, Research Administration and Events, SOSS

• This position is for School of Social Sciences (SOSS).

• Pre-award research grant administration

• Undertake social science research grant opportunities landscape survey, identify and compile opportunities relevant to SOSS' faculty research areas.

• Work with Associate Dean (Research) to nurture faculty interest in applying for more external grants vis-à-vis SOSS grant application targets and timeline.
• Provide guidance to faculty on research grant opportunities, eligibility, application processes, budgeting, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Interpret funding guidelines and advise faculty on preparing competitive research proposals - preparing, reviewing and submitting research proposals, budgets and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with funding bodies, faculty members and SMU administrative offices to obtain required clearances and ensure smooth and timely submission of grants.
• Work with faculty members and other academic constituencies to identify best practices as well as gaps in grant application information, processes to propose and implement enhancement initiatives.
• Work closely with the senior manager, research administration to provide regular updates to the Dean and Associate Dean (Research) on progress of grant applications.

• Academic Events Management

• Plan and deliver academic events, including book launches, panel discussions, workshops, conferences and visits by academic guests, etc.

• Serve as point of contact for academic visitors to manage their visit agenda, arrange travel, accommodation, payments and etc.
• Manage event logistics, vendors, budgets and protocol to ensure that the activities are well run and well attended.
• Plan and execute professional communications and promotion in collaboration with relevant colleagues and departments across SMU.
• Coordinate with faculty members, administrative colleagues across SMU and external stakeholders to support research and engagement initiatives.
• Undertake post-event reporting with the aim of sharing information, enhancing participation, improving event attractiveness, process effectiveness and efficiency.

• Other responsibilities

• Provide support to deliver events and activities organised by SOSS, e.g. faculty meetings, focus group discussions and commencement ceremony, etc.

• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the school Dean and Assistant Dean (Administration).

• A good bachelor's degree.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in research administration, project management or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of research funding processes and grant administration.
• Prior experience in research grants pre-award administration, research contracting and understanding of social science (Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, etc) academic research and/or national/ international research funding landscape are desirable.
• Experienced in event planning, project coordination and stakeholder management.
• Comfortable with multi-tasking and proactively prioritising tasks according to importance and urgency to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively both independently and as a team.
• Possesses initiative and ability to solve problems effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing grant documents, event materials, correspondence and promotional content.
• Amiable and able to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Competent in research management systems, event registration platforms and office software including Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, SAP Concur and Ariba.
• Methodical and meticulous in following through on procedures and compliance checks.

Candidates who do not possess the stipulated qualifications but have relevant work experience may still apply. Remuneration and appointment terms shall commensurate with qualifications and experience. SMU reserves the right to modify the appointment terms where necessary.