Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Rhode Island

SUMMARY:

The Manager, Research Finance Systems leads initiatives and oversees team efforts focused on optimizing Workday and related systems to meet Brown University Health’s financial and research administration needs.

This role serves as the leader for Workday research finance systems strategy and execution across Finance, Payroll, Financial Data Model (FDM), and Grants/Research functionality, with a strong emphasis on sponsored research, clinical trials, and healthcare research compliance. The position manages cross-functional optimization efforts across Research Finance, Grants & Contracts, and operational stakeholders to improve data integrity, streamline processes, and enhance reporting and compliance.

The Manager is accountable for advancing Workday Grants functionality, including award lifecycle management, billing/invoicing, effort certification, and sponsor reporting, while establishing priorities, directing resources, and ensuring alignment with organizational, operational, and regulatory requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization’s values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

Research & Grants Functional Expertise

Provide leadership and strategic oversight for Workday Grants, Research Finance, and Sponsored Programs, including grant lifecycle operations, clinical trials financial management, sponsored billing and invoicing, and effort certification processes

Direct team priorities and oversee execution of initiatives that support accurate financial management of sponsored awards

Establish standards, operating practices, and decision frameworks for research finance systems support and optimization

Oversee resolution of complex issues related to award reconciliation, payroll accounting adjustments tied to grants, revenue recognition, and sponsor invoicing

Workday Configuration & Optimization (Expanded to Grants)

Lead the configuration strategy, testing oversight, and optimization roadmap for Workday functionality across Finance, Payroll, FDM, and Grants Management

Translate research and finance requirements and priorities into scalable Workday solutions, including sponsored reporting, payroll costing and effort certification workflows, and grant invoicing and cash reconciliation processes

Manage cross-functional initiatives related to research system transformation and post-go-live stabilization, including scope, prioritization, resource alignment, and delivery outcomes

Ensure solutions are aligned with enterprise architecture, operational needs, and long-term supportability

Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

Lead engagement with Research Finance leadership, Department Research Administrators (DRAs), Finance, Payroll, and IS teams to align priorities, resolve issues, and drive adoption

Serve as the primary bridge between research operations and ERP systems, translating business strategy and operational needs into system direction and investment priorities

Present roadmaps, findings, risks, and recommendations to leadership and governance bodies to support informed decision-making

Supervise, coach, and develop team members and foster effective collaboration across cross-functional stakeholders

Issue Resolution & Operational Support

Oversee Tier 2 support for complex system issues, including effort certification gaps, payroll costing issues, grant/worktag misalignment, and invoice and billing discrepancies

Direct root cause analysis, escalation management, and remediation planning for research-related system issues

Establish service expectations, monitor operational performance, and ensure timely resolution of high-priority support items

Lead training, knowledge transfer, and adoption efforts across Research Finance and operational teams

Release & Continuous Improvement

Lead Workday release planning and execution for research finance capabilities, including grants functionality enhancements and research reporting improvements

Evaluate new Workday features, establish adoption recommendations, and align enhancement priorities to operational and strategic goals

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across research and financial systems through governance, measurement, and stakeholder engagement

Develop and maintain a forward-looking roadmap for research finance systems capabilities and process maturity

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, or related field required; Master’s degree or CPA preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

5+ years of experience supporting Workday or a comparable ERP platform, including progressive responsibility in systems leadership or functional management

Experience with Workday Grants / Research Finance strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives, prioritizing work, and influencing stakeholders in a complex healthcare or academic environment

Demonstrated experience in healthcare research administration, sponsored programs, grants accounting, or clinical trials finance

Strong understanding of effort certification, payroll costing, research financial compliance, and reporting requirements

Experience with data reconciliation, conversion, validation across systems, and leading process improvement efforts

Prior experience with direct supervision, team leadership, or mentoring strongly preferred

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EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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