Job Duties: Research Foundation Operations Manager

Research Foundation Operations Manager Jobs

In this article, we’ll look at the job information you need to know, including an example of Research Foundation Operations Manager daily duties, a typical work day in the role & team meetings you would attend. We’ll also look at alternative names for this role and the software & templates you would use in this role.

Duties

A Research Foundation Operations Manager oversees the daily operations of a research foundation, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance with regulations. They manage budgets, allocate resources, and supervise staff to support research activities. They also coordinate with researchers, stakeholders, and external partners to facilitate project execution and funding. Additionally, they are responsible for developing and implementing operational policies, maintaining records, and preparing reports. The role often involves troubleshooting operational issues, optimizing processes, and ensuring the foundation’s goals align with its strategic objectives. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.

Typical Work Day

A Research Foundation Operations Manager typically starts their day by reviewing emails and prioritizing tasks. They attend meetings with department heads to discuss ongoing projects and resource allocation. Throughout the day, they oversee financial management, ensuring budgets are adhered to and grants are properly allocated. They also handle administrative tasks, such as approving expenditures and coordinating with HR for staffing needs. Regularly, they review project progress reports and troubleshoot any operational issues. By late afternoon, they prepare for the next day’s meetings and finalize any pending documentation. Their day often ends with a brief team check-in to ensure alignment on goals and deadlines.

Regular Meetings

A Research Foundation Operations Manager would run or attend various types of meetings. These include strategic planning sessions to align research goals with organizational objectives, budget meetings to allocate funding and review financial performance, and project update meetings to monitor progress and address challenges. They would also participate in compliance and regulatory meetings to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards, staff meetings to coordinate team efforts, and stakeholder meetings to engage with partners, donors, and collaborators. Additionally, they might attend professional development workshops and industry conferences to stay updated on best practices and emerging trends.

Alternative Names

The occupation of Research Foundation Operations Manager can be referred to by several alternative names. One common alternative is Research Administration Manager, which emphasizes the administrative aspect of the role. Another possible name is Research Operations Director, highlighting a higher level of responsibility and oversight. Additionally, the title Research Program Manager can be used, focusing on the management of specific research programs within the foundation. Lastly, the role can also be called Research Grants Manager, particularly if the position involves significant work with grant funding and financial oversight.

Software

A Research Foundation Operations Manager would need project management software like Asana or Trello to oversee research projects and timelines. Financial management tools such as QuickBooks or SAP are essential for budgeting and financial reporting. They would also require data analysis software like SPSS or R for interpreting research data. Document management systems like SharePoint or Google Workspace are necessary for collaboration and document storage. Additionally, communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams are vital for team coordination and stakeholder communication. Compliance and grant management software like InfoEd or Cayuse would be crucial for managing research grants and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Templates

A Research Foundation Operations Manager would need several types of templates to streamline their work. These include grant proposal templates to assist researchers in applying for funding, budget templates to manage financial planning and expenditures, and project timeline templates to track progress and deadlines. Additionally, they would require meeting agenda and minutes templates to ensure efficient communication and documentation, as well as compliance report templates to adhere to regulatory requirements. Templates for performance evaluations and staff onboarding would also be essential to manage human resources effectively.