Georgia Main
Director
Raleigh,NC
Summary
An accomplished leader with 12 years of experience in research administration, specializing in streamlining operations and enhancing research finance efficiency. Leveraged modern tools such as Airtable, Zendesk, and Slack to optimize workflows. Skilled in strategic planning, team management, and operations, with a proven track record of improving service delivery and managing a research portfolio exceeding $276.6M. Recognized for strong problem-solving and operational management expertise.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Research Finance & Adminsitration
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
01.2024 - Current
- Developed two high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth to 22 team members.
- Improved efficiency through the implementation of modern software solutions, including Airtable, Zendesk, and Slack, streamlining workflows, enhancing data accuracy, and improving service delivery to faculty and staff.
- Prepared and delivered critical financial and compliance reports, such as NSF HERD data and U.S. News & World Report rankings, highlighting research contributions and supporting data-driven decision-making.
- Oversaw the administration and financial management of a research portfolio exceeding $276.6M.
- Served as a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders, fostering strategic partnerships to advance the college's research mission and ensure operational alignment.
- Conducted regular workload analyses to optimize resource allocation and successfully secured additional resources to meet team demands.
Research Administrator
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Optimized budget allocation through meticulous financial tracking, enhancing resource management for research projects.
- Supported researchers in obtaining necessary approvals, expediting project timelines, and ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines.
- Established performance metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of research administration services, driving continuous improvement.
- Contributed to quality control reviews to ensure adherence to university and federal policies.
- Cultivated a supportive and inclusive work environment by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the research administration office.
Budget Analyst
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Generated annual budget forecasting information for executive and corporate reports.
- Created and updated expenditure reports in Tableau & Excel.
- Perform comprehensive financial planning and budgeting that includes all operating components and fund sources
- Proactively determine the needs of the supported units to provide effective and efficient customer service
- Provide recommendations on complex and unique financial issues based on spending projections and the current/projected fiscal environment
- Manage a team of 7 research administrators overseeing portfolios totaling over $79M
- Develop and implement policies and procedures to streamline financial processes
- Collaborate with other departments and units to achieve financial goals and objectives
Director of Research Administration
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Successfully managed a diverse portfolio of contracts and grants totaling over $95M.
- Oversaw fiscal activities for 344 sponsored projects.
- Reviewed, accepted, and provided administrative support for proposals and solicitations exceeding $68M.
- Expertise in determining billing options for clinical trials and negotiating contracts and bids, ensuring efficient financial management of projects.
- Consistently produced detailed and insightful quarterly and annual sponsored activity metric reports.
- Reviewed Testing/Fabrication Service Agreements and Service Orders, while managing effort reporting and project closeout processes.
- Designed and implemented best practices for pre- and post-award management, ensuring compliance with federal and state policies on budgeting and financial forecasting.
- Analyzed spending patterns and provided strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Delegated signature authority for proposal submissions.
- Delivered training on pre-award and post-award services to research-active employees, students, and assistants.
- Demonstrated expertise in developing new policies and interpreting existing policies, laws, and guidelines from multiple governing bodies, ensuring seamless compliance and effective financial management.
Contracts and Grants Accounting Administrator
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, NC
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Managed the financial aspects of contracts and grant ac- counts
- Cultivated productive working relationships with various units across campus, resulting in increased efficiency
- Led 44 project managers in creating budgets for new proposals that aligned with project needs
- Maintained State and Funding Source compliance on COI disclosures and effort allocation
- Reviewed ongoing projects to ensure compliance, progress, and forward thinking
- Produced all necessary pre-award documents, IRB documents, summer salary distributions, and releases
- Advised on autonomous work when working on similar objectives with different sponsors
Contracts and Grants Accounting Technician
University of North Carolina
Raleigh, NC
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Managed financial aspects of contracts and grant accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state regulations and sponsor guidelines.
- Developed strong collaborative relationships across campus to streamline budgetary processes and improve communication.
- Guided project managers in creating proposal budgets that aligned with project goals and funding limitations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJSkills
Problem-solving
Project management
Operations management
Team management
Budget control
People management
Decision-making
Strategic planning
Team building
Change management
Awards
- The Way We Work Award (September 2022): Recognized for promoting a healthy work culture and adhering to "The Way We Work" (TW3) guidelines.
- Nominated: Mentorship (March 2023): Acknowledged for exceptional mentorship contributions.
Timeline
Director of Research Finance & Adminsitration
North Carolina State University
01.2024 - Current
Research Administrator
North Carolina State University
07.2023 - 11.2023
Budget Analyst
University of North Carolina
01.2022 - 05.2023
Director of Research Administration
North Carolina State University
01.2021 - 03.2022
Contracts and Grants Accounting Administrator
North Carolina State University
06.2018 - 03.2021
Contracts and Grants Accounting Technician
University of North Carolina
08.2014 - 06.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Thomas Edison State University
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