Jenna Bush
Cortland,NY
Summary
Research administration professional with 15+ years of progressive experience supporting complex sponsored research programs within an R1 academic institution. Expertise in pre-award and post-award administration, federal compliance, proposal development, research operations, and faculty advising across NIH, NSF, USDA, and foundation sponsors. Proven track record managing high-volume proposal portfolios, interpreting complex regulations, leading cross-functional initiatives, and mentoring research administration staff. Recognized for strategic problem-solving, exceptional service, and navigating complex institutional and sponsor requirements.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Administration Manager / Grant & Contract Officer
Cornell University — College of Veterinary Medicine
01.2016 - Current
- Direct research administration and sponsored programs operations supporting over 250 faculty and research personnel in an R1 institution with $45M in annual sponsored funding.
- Lead development, review, and submission of complex federal, foundation, and industry-sponsored proposals, including NIH R01s, training grants, multi-component center proposals, and multi-investigator submissions.
- Serve as institutional authority with delegated signature authority for proposal submissions and sponsored research administration activities supporting up to 300 proposals annually, representing more than $250 million in funding requests.
- Interpret and apply evolving federal regulations, sponsor guidelines, and institutional policies to ensure compliance across the full research lifecycle.
- Advise faculty and departmental staff on proposal strategy, budget development, cost allowability, effort allocation, subaward management, and post-award requirements.
- Supervise and mentor research administration staff, supporting operational efficiency, staff development, and continuity of service during high-volume submission periods.
- Lead compliance oversight activities related to NIH, NSF, USDA, and foundation funding mechanisms, minimizing institutional risk and ensuring audit readiness.
- Administer the USDA Animal Health and Disease Research Capacity Grant Program, overseeing funding allocation, reporting, and sponsor compliance requirements.
- Develop and deliver training programs and guidance materials related to sponsored research administration, federal regulations, and proposal best practices.
- Collaborate with faculty, finance teams, compliance offices, and university leadership to resolve complex research administration and funding issues.
- Generate operational and financial reports to support strategic decision-making and research planning initiatives.
Grant & Contract Associate
Cornell University — College of Veterinary Medicine
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Coordinated pre-award and post-award administration activities for complex sponsored research portfolios, including proposal review, compliance verification, and submission support.
- Assisted with the preparation and submission of grant applications, budget development, sponsor documentation, and institutional approvals.
- Coordinated proposal submissions through Grants.gov, eRA Commons, ASSIST, and institutional systems while ensuring adherence to sponsor deadlines and compliance requirements.
- Monitored award activity, post-award actions, and supported financial and administrative management of sponsored projects.
- Served as a key resource for faculty and staff regarding sponsor policies, proposal requirements, and institutional procedures.
- Contributed to process improvements and operational efficiencies within the research administration office.
Compliance Coordinator
Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Managed compliance and financial administration activities related to intellectual property agreements and licensing arrangements.
- Conducted compliance reviews and resolved contractual and financial issues with external industry partners and licensees.
- Oversaw invoicing, royalty reconciliation, revenue distribution, and financial reporting processes.
- Maintained institutional financial databases and supported accurate recordkeeping and reporting activities.
Payroll Administrator
Ablest Staffing Services
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Managed payroll processing and employee onboarding activities for a workforce of 350+ employees.
- Ensured compliance with federal and state payroll regulations and maintained confidentiality of sensitive employee information.
- Supported employee relations, incentive programs, and administrative operations.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, NY Certification
- Research Administration Certificate Program (RACP)
- Fundamentals of the Federal Grant Process Training
- NIH and NCURA Regional Seminar on Program Funding and Grants Administration
- Cornell New Supervisor Training
- Turning Point Leadership Program
Timeline
Research Administration Manager / Grant & Contract Officer
Cornell University — College of Veterinary Medicine
01.2016 - Current
Grant & Contract Associate
Cornell University — College of Veterinary Medicine
01.2010 - 01.2016
Compliance Coordinator
Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization
01.2006 - 01.2010
Payroll Administrator
Ablest Staffing Services
01.2003 - 01.2006
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Tompkins Cortland Community College
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Sponsored Programs Administration (Pre-Award & Post-Award)
- Electronic Research Administration Systems (Grants.gov, eRA Commons, Research.gov, ASSIST)
- Federal Research Compliance
- NIH, NSF, USDA & Foundation Funding Mechanisms
- Proposal & Budget Development
- Research Operations & Financial Oversight
- Faculty & Leadership Advising
- Team Leadership & Staff Development