Remote Research Operations Director Jobs in Reston, VA

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Reporting to the Executive Director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, the Manager for Research Operations and Reporting is responsible for a portfolio of activities that advance the Center’s mission through project management and program support, including but not limited to grants management, operations, and research administration.

The Manager for Research Operations and Reporting will be responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing the full range of grants management activities and practices across the Payne Center to best support the team, grantees, and overall operations. This includes grant processing, data management, financial oversight, and compliance reporting. The Manager will contribute to the Center’s strategy and drive growth and continuous improvement in systems and processes, striving for excellence in grants management and programming.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic manager with proven experience in financial and operational systems, ideally within a philanthropic organization or a research environment, who is passionate about systems and process improvement, and supporting research initiatives. Experience working in a complex organizational environment is critical as the Manager will act as a liaison to implement a portfolio of activities that interface with multiple divisions within TMCF.

REPORTS TO:
Executive Director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to developing and implementing systems that support and promote research, such as:

Research Operations and Program Support

• Execute operational aspects of grant-funded programming and research activities, including project timelines and deliverables

• Coordinate logistics for Center events, meetings, and convenings, including occasional on-site support for domestic events

• Maintain all official records and business files for sponsored projects, ensuring proper documentation and compliance

• Manage production and distribution of Center materials and publications in collaboration with research staff

• Support research administration and project management as needed, including data collection for program metrics

Reporting and Compliance Management

• Maintain accurate records in grants management systems and ensure data integrity across platforms

• Ensure compliance with all funder requirements and institutional policies, maintaining current knowledge of regulations

• Develop and implement efficient processes for grants management and research operations

• Monitor program outcomes and prepare operational reports for Center leadership

• Generate both financial and narrative reports for internal and external stakeholders

Grants and Financial Administration

• Manage the complete lifecycle of all grants, contracts, and sponsored projects, ensuring financial integrity from award through closeout

• Develop and monitor detailed budgets for grant proposals and awarded projects, providing strategic analysis to guide resource allocation

• Track all expenditures and perform regular reconciliation of all project accounts, providing senior leadership with accurate financial reporting

• Prepare and submit timely financial and programmatic reports to funders, ensuring compliance and reinforcing trust

• Process vendor payments and manage accounts for Center operations, serving as primary liaison with TMCF Finance Division

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
It is critically important that the Manager be a highly collaborative and collegial team player who listens and communicates well. Confident and knowledgeable, they will bring a high level of judgment and interpersonal skills to the role. They will possess a majority of the following professional and personal attributes and competencies:

• A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• 3+ years of direct experience in grants management, research administration, or nonprofit operations

• Demonstrated experience with budget development, financial reporting, and account reconciliation

• Proven ability to manage grants or contracts in a nonprofit, research, or higher education environment

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to manage complex projects

• Excellent time management skills with ability to meet multiple deadlines

• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a dynamic environment

• Resourcefulness and good judgment in handling sensitive financial information

• Ability to pay attention to accuracy and detail while thinking broadly about operational needs

• Ability to work in a team and demonstrated interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders

• Ability to multi-task and function independently with minimal supervision

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for reports and presentations

• Understanding of and commitment to the value of diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Employee Type: Full Time, Exempt
Benefits: Health, Dental, FSA, 403(b)
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Manages Others: No
Location: In-person/Hybrid, Washington, DC