Research Center Business Operations Specialist

Department:

This position is part of the Earth & Space Research Administration (ESRA) under the Division of Research and Creative Achievement (ORCA). ESRA serves as a centralized shared resource to support UMBC’s Research Centers and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with administrative pre-award and post-award support. The ESRA staff supports these centers, working with UMBC or partner staff, students, research faculty, GSFC sponsors, appointed fellows, and
affiliated tenured/tenure-track faculty.

Position Overview:

This position serves as a critical bridge between financial compliance and technical documentation within the Earth & Space Research Administration (ESRA). The position acts as the Project Coordinator for a team of five, overseeing the lifecycle of proposal document collection and procurement workflows.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation.  This role starts at $77,500 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full-time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed.

For 16 years in a row, UMBC has been recognized as a Great College to Work For! 

Telework:

A hybrid telework schedule may be available. 

Responsibilities:

Combining the skills of a Technical Writer and Financial Analyst, the position is responsible for drafting complex budget justifications, editing non-technical proposal components, and managing the project management timeline to ensure all team deliverables meet Sponsor and University standards.

In addition, the position will: analyze and manage sponsored project finances for a portfolio of research faculty from the Centers from pre-award through closeout; support and review grant proposal documents for all ESRA proposal submissions, ensuring accuracy and compliance; execute and oversee procurement activities, including vendor coordination and purchasing; provide cross-team support with the team of ESRA Analysts and support administrative operations related to research activities and documentation.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: 

Bachelor's degree preferably in English, Communications, Business Administration,
Management, Accounting, or Finance.

Background Screening Statement:

A background check will be required. 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Upload a cover letter and a resume.  

Closing Date: Open Until Filled Benefits:

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Contingent II positions may include some benefits. 

Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position. 

Salary:

Salary: $77,500 - $87,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Hours: Full-time Type:

Grant Funded

This position is Grant Funded, wherein employment is contingent upon award renewal.

FLSA Status: Exempt  Equal Opportunity Statement: UMBC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, minority group members, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Title IX: As an institution that receives federal financial assistance, UMBC adheres to Title IX and does not discriminate on the basis of sex. For more information about Title IX and contact information for Title IX Coordinator click here.   

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Work Authorization  As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation upon hire showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work.

Advertised: May 27 2026 09:00 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Open Until Filled

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend