Intensive Training Speakers

The SRAI Basics of Research Administration program is a robust, well-developed online program that utilizes SRAI’s LevelUp modules as curriculum. This program is intended primarily for research administrators with less than 2 years’ experience who are involved in any area of research administration. The program is targeted specifically at new personnel in positions such as pre-award coordinators, departmental administrators, post-award coordinators, compliance coordinators, grant accountants, and others with newly acquired responsibilities who need to understand the broad spectrum of research administration.

The program is presented over a six-week period. Participants will self-train at their own pace utilizing the micro-credentialing modules and will participate in six, 90-minute online cohort sessions during which they will discuss key elements and review course concepts. 

Participants will have access to the following SRAI LevelUp Micro-credentialing modules:
•    Relationships, Roles and Responsibilities in Research Administration
•    Principles in Pre-Award Administration
•    Principles of Award Negotiation and Set-Up
•    The Research Compliance Framework
•    Principles of Post-Award Financial Research Administration

Minimum Requirements:

• Expertise: Minimum 15 years of experience in the research administration and management field working in a sponsored programs office. At least 5 years in a director or Supervisory role. Subject Mater Expertise in the module areas with the ability to cover all five modules.
• Presentation Skills: Prior experience presenting in virtual or live educational settings. Ability to clearly communicate technical content to learners at an intermediate level.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Professional Support: A letter of support from your supervisor is required to confirm institutional backing and acknowledgment of your time commitment.

Preferred Areas of Expertise
Presenters with one or more of the following areas of experience are highly encouraged to apply:

• Ability to provide real-world examples and practical insights.
• Willingness to collaborate and cooperate with other instructors (usually there are two co-speakers for each cohort).
• Genuine passion for education and mentoring individuals in the field of research administration.

Clinical research study budgeting and billing is a complex and often misunderstood area within the research enterprise. This interactive, intermediate-level mini-intensive equips learners with best practices for building comprehensive clinical research budgets, while understanding the downstream organizational and patient impacts. Covering both pre-award and post-award phases, the program includes topics such as coverage analysis, sponsor negotiation, billing compliance, financial management, and technology integrations.

Through real-world case studies and exercises, participants will gain practical skills in navigating the full budget lifecycle—from development and negotiation to billing and sponsor invoicing.

Minimum Requirements:

• Clinical Research Expertise: Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in clinical research, with direct involvement in budgeting, billing compliance, or financial management of clinical trials.
• Presentation Skills: Prior experience presenting in virtual or live educational settings. Ability to clearly communicate technical content to learners at an intermediate level.
• Real-World Application: Comfortable sharing practical examples, scenarios, and lessons learned from experience in clinical trial operations, especially budget development and sponsor interaction.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Professional Support: A letter of support from your supervisor is required to confirm institutional backing and acknowledgment of your time commitment.

Preferred Areas of Expertise
Presenters with one or more of the following areas of experience are highly encouraged to apply:

• Clinical trial budget development and sponsor negotiation ·
• Coverage analysis and billing compliance
• Financial post-award management
• Study startup and alignment of study documents with budgets
• Regulatory understanding of clinical trial billing (e.g., Medicare Coverage Analysis)
• Integration of technology and tools in clinical budgeting
• Ethical considerations in financial management of clinical trials

This hands-on intensive training is designed for professionals seeking to develop expertise in managing and overseeing clinical trials. The program focuses on practical applications and decision-making processes critical to the success of clinical trials and is ideal for professionals with direct involvement in trial operations.

Topics will include an introduction to clinical trials and the regulatory framework, the fundamentals of clinical trial design, sponsorship, and protocols, as well as strategies for managing contracts, budgets, and financial assessments. Participants will also explore patient recruitment and retention strategies, data management and quality assurance practices, and case studies highlighting common challenges and lessons learned. Within these topics, we will address key considerations such as ethical guidelines, regulatory compliance, and effective communication across stakeholders.

This 12-hour training program is delivered over six 2-hour online cohort sessions. Speakers will lead discussions using pre-developed materials, presenting key concepts, sharing real-world examples, and guiding participants through case studies or other targeted activities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Clinical Research Expertise: Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience managing, running, or overseeing clinical trials. Candidates must be no more than two levels removed from direct trial operations, ensuring a strong connection to the practical aspects of clinical trials. Study coordinators, compliance professionals, and those specializing in contracts or budgeting related to clinical trials are highly encouraged to apply.
• Presentation Skills: Prior experience presenting in virtual or live educational settings. Ability to clearly communicate technical content to learners at an intermediate level.
• Real-World Application: Ability to share real-world examples and actionable insights based on direct involvement in clinical trial operations.
• Collaboration: Willingness to collaborate with other instructors, as the program typically includes multiple speakers working together to deliver a cohesive and engaging cohort experience
• Professional Support: A letter of support from the nominee’s supervisor is required.
• Passion for Mentorship: A demonstrated passion for educating and mentoring individuals in the clinical trials field, with a focus on fostering practical skills and understanding.

Preferred Areas of Expertise
Presenters with one or more of the following areas of experience are highly encouraged to apply:

•  Clinical Trials Operations
• Regulatory Guidelines and Compliance (including Human Subject Compliance/IRB)
• Study Design and Protocol Development
• Budget Development
• Contract/Agreement Negotiation
• Study Start-up
• Patient Recruitment and Retention
• Data Management and Study Monitoring
• Study Closeout and Regulatory Submissions, including Clinical Trial Registration

The Effort Management and Reporting Mini-Intensive is a three-day virtual training program designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate effort reporting in academic and research settings. Over the course of six instructional hours, the program covers effort reporting principles, compliance requirements, institutional practices, and recent regulatory updates. Sessions include real-world examples and interactive discussions to help participants apply concepts directly to their work.

The program is targeted at research administrators, compliance officers, faculty, and others responsible for or engaged in effort reporting practices.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: At least 5 years of professional experience directly related to effort reporting, research administration, or grant compliance at a higher education institution or research organization.
• Subject Matter Expertise:Strong knowledge of federal regulations governing effort reporting, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), institutional policy development, and audit readiness.
• Presentation Skills: Demonstrated experience speaking or presenting in professional, virtual, or workshop settings.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 6 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

• Experience with internal audits or federal audit responses related to effort reporting
• Familiarity with electronic effort certification systems
• Previous involvement in developing institutional policies or training programs on effort reporting
• Experience instructing or mentoring research faculty and staff on compliance

This intermediate-level mini-intensive prepares mid- to senior-level research administrators to manage and support large-scale, collaborative, and strategic (LSCS) proposals. These complex, cross-disciplinary submissions require advanced skills in coordination, budgeting, and interpreting funder requirements. Participants will explore the project management role of pre-award professionals, learn to analyze solicitations, and apply practical strategies for developing and submitting successful LSCS proposals.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in pre-award research administration, with direct involvement in preparing and submitting large-scale or collaborative proposals.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Strong knowledge of federal agency requirements (e.g., NSF, NIH, DOE, DOD) and institutional processes for coordinating cross-unit proposals.
• Project Coordination: Demonstrated experience managing or supporting complex proposals involving multiple investigators, departments, or partner institutions.
• Presentation Experience: Prior experience delivering training, webinars, or workshops in research administration or related fields.
• Collaboration: Willingness to coordinate with co-instructors to deliver a cohesive, interactive learning experience.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

• Involvement in strategic research development or institutional proposal enhancement services
• Experience supporting research centers, consortia, or institutional grant submissions (e.g., P30, U54, ERC, STC)
• Familiarity with tools and platforms for managing collaborative submissions (e.g., project tracking software, team portals)
• Experience with institutional review and routing processes for complex budgets and multi-institutional projects

The Manager’s Toolbox Intensive is a 12-hour training program designed for supervisors, team leads, and emerging managers seeking to strengthen their leadership and team management skills. The program offers practical strategies for effective communication, performance management, conflict resolution, decision-making, and managing workplace stress. Participants will learn to distinguish between leadership and management, enhance people management techniques, and apply real-world tools to build productive, engaged teams and foster a positive work environment.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in management, supervision, human resources, organizational development, or leadership roles.
• Instructional Experience: Prior experience delivering professional development, training, or facilitation in workshop or virtual formats.
• Applied Knowledge: Ability to integrate real-life management scenarios and lead practical exercises.
• Collaboration: Openness to working with a team of presenters to ensure a cohesive program experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 12 hours of instruction across six live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

• Certification in management, leadership, HR, or coaching (e.g., PMP, SHRM, Coaching certifications)
• Experience supporting team culture, conflict management, and employee development
• Familiarity with DEI principles in leadership and supervision

The field of research administration spans many areas — from grant writing and budgeting to contracts, compliance, and clinical trials. This 12-hour intensive training focuses on the foundations of pre-award research administration, the essential starting point for any research program.

Designed for newcomers and those transitioning into pre-award roles, this program provides a system-wide view of the research enterprise. Participants will learn about organizational structures, funding sources, proposal and budget development, submission processes, and award acceptance. Research faculty seeking to better understand pre-award practices are also welcome.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: Minimum 8-10 years of experience in pre-award.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Letter of support from the nominee’s supervisor.
• Presentation Skills: Extensive virtual speaking experience with strong audience engagement skills.
• Collaboration: Willingness to collaborate and cooperate with other instructors, CRA or CPRA desired (there are typically four speakers for this 12-hour intensive).
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 12 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Time Commitment 

When serving as an instructor of a cohort, plan to commit to the following:

• 2 hours of instruction time per each live online meeting.
• 3-6 hours preparing for the meeting (i.e., plan with other instructor, practice meeting logistics, improve instructional design to personalize your meeting).
• 1-2 hours updating material, and creating new content
• 0.5 hours facilitating discussions in Connect.

Preparing for a Financial Audit Mini-Intensive, a program designed to help beginner and intermediate research administrators build their knowledge and confidence around sponsored program financial audits. Presenters will share real-world strategies, tools, and case studies that support effective audit preparation and management across all stages of the audit process.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in research administration, grant/contract financial management, or sponsored programs compliance.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Direct experience preparing for and participating in sponsored program financial audits (e.g., Uniform Guidance/Single Audit, internal audits, sponsor-initiated audits).
• Presentation Skills: Strong presentation, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Collaboration: Prior experience training or mentoring others in audit readiness or financial compliance is a plus..
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 6 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

Professionals working in central offices (e.g., Sponsored Programs, Office of Research, Finance) or in academic units who can share practical audit experiences, challenges, and solutions. Individuals from a variety of institution types (public, private, large, small, R1, etc.) are encouraged to contribute diverse perspectives.

This program provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of contract negotiation and management within the research environment. It addresses key agreement types, including research, service, and clinical trial contracts, subcontracts, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), material and data transfer agreements (MTAs/DTAs), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

As a speaker, you will share your expertise on these diverse agreements, guiding participants through the critical terms and conditions that define them. The program emphasizes risk mitigation and negotiation strategies, focusing on essential provisions such as indemnification, publication rights, intellectual property, and confidentiality.

Drawing on your professional experience, you will offer practical insights, case studies, and best practices that enhance participants’ ability to negotiate, draft, and manage research contracts effectively. Your contribution will ensure that participants gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex agreements, mitigate risks, and secure favorable outcomes for their institutions.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: Minimum 8 years of professional experience in contract development, negotiation, and management, particularly in the context of research. This includes experience with various contract types such as research agreements, clinical trials, service contracts, subcontracts,  material/data transfer agreements (MTAs/DTAs), and Federal Acquisition Regulations. 5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role, ideally in a research or contract management setting. This experience should include overseeing teams, guiding junior staff, and making high-level decisions in contract negotiation and risk management
• Subject Matter Expertise: Familiarity with key federal regulatory frameworks and guidance (e.g., Common Rule, PHS COI, USDA, EAR/ITAR, NIH Guidelines, NSPM-33, etc.). Experience with cross-functional research administration and compliance collaborations.
• Presentation Skills: Strong communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to make complex topics understandable and relevant. Ability to provide real-world examples and practical insights.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 12 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Requirement 

Research Development for Research Administrators Mini-Intensive. This session is designed to introduce and deepen participants’ understanding of research development (RD), its connection to research administration (RA), and how these two functions can strategically collaborate to enhance faculty success in securing extramural funding.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in research development, research administration, or strategic research support roles.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Strong understanding of the extramural funding landscape and proposal development lifecycle. Experience supporting faculty in developing competitive proposals through strategic planning, resource alignment, or team science facilitation. Ability to communicate the value of RD in practical terms to those unfamiliar with the concept.
• Presentation Skills: Strong presentation and facilitation skills; prior experience teaching or training is a plus.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 6 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

Professionals with experience in both research development and research administration—or those who have worked closely across these domains—to guide research administrators in expanding their understanding of RD. Presenters should bring a collaborative mindset, practical insights, and the ability to engage a diverse group of learners.

Research Security for Research Administrators Mini-Intensive seeks knowledgeable and experienced presenter. This course addresses the evolving landscape of research security in response to federal mandates, including NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act. Presenters will provide insight into institutional obligations, key risk areas, and practical strategies for preparing and implementing a compliant Research Security Program that supports national security while enabling research excellence.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in research administration, compliance, or risk management with direct involvement in research security, conflict of interest, export control, or related areas.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Familiarity with NSPM-33, CHIPS + Science Act requirements, and evolving federal agency standards. Experience communicating with federal research agencies on research security matters (e.g., risk mitigation, foreign collaborations, terms and conditions, etc.). Experience developing or supporting institutional risk assessments, security programs, or disclosure review processes.
• Presentation Skills: Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate regulatory language into actionable guidance. Previous experience delivering professional development, training, or education to adult learners is preferred.
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 6 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

Professionals with experience in compliance, research security, or research integrity offices who understand the practical implications of federal research security mandates and can share both policy knowledge and implementation strategies. Presenters should be able to engage a broad audience of research administrators across pre-award, post-award, and compliance functions.

This interactive mini-intensive on Subrecipient Monitoring and Management under the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.331–333) helps participants navigate the complexities of subaward administration through practical guidance on pre- and post-award requirements, including subrecipient vs. contractor determinations, risk assessments, fixed-price subawards, and monitoring practices. The program incorporates real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and effective documentation examples, with attention to both federally funded and relevant non-federal scenarios.

Minimum Instructor Criteria:

• Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of experience in research administration with direct responsibility for subrecipient management and compliance
• Subject Matter Expertise: Demonstrated understanding of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200.331–333). Familiarity with both federal and non-federal subawards preferred
• Presentation Skills: Experience leading trainings, workshops, or speaking at professional conferences. Ability to present complex regulatory concepts in an engaging and accessible way
• Collaboration: Willing to work closely with fellow instructors to deliver cohesive, engaging experience.
• Availability: Commitment to attending one planned meeting and delivering 6 hours of instruction across three live online sessions.

Additional Instructor Experience
(Preferred but not required)

• Deliver engaging and informative content that supports participant learning and development
• Provide clear explanations of 2 CFR 200.331–333 and how they apply in practice
• Share tools, templates, and examples of subaward documentation and risk assessments
• Facilitate discussions, simulations, or case study exercises to deepen understanding
• Address practical challenges and offer best practices from your experience
• Collaborate with program staff on content design and delivery format