The Federal Shakeup: What It Means for Research Administration

The federal government is undergoing an unprecedented shakeup—mass firings of federal workers, funding freezes, and policy shifts, including proposals to cap indirect costs for universities and research institutes at 15%. The research funding landscape is rapidly changing, and research administrators need to be prepared.

This new reality demands that organizations and individuals be nimble, scrappy, and adaptive—traits that universities aren’t typically known for, but that doesn’t mean we can’t embrace them as individuals. While the number of research administration positions may not be shrinking right now, salary compression is already starting to be observed and will likely continue as the job market absorbs an influx of highly qualified former federal employees.

When you might consider a job change:

• Overly optimistic leadership: If leadership is downplaying the risks or ignoring the instability around us, it’s a red flag. When uncertainty is ignored or minimized, it only increases the likelihood of being caught off guard. Leaders who aren’t acknowledging the reality of the situation may be setting the organization up for disaster as things inevitably and continuously shift. No one knows for certain how this will all play out, but changes are inevitable. 
• Rash restructuring decisions: In a time of upheaval, it’s easy for leadership to feel the need to act quickly. However, hasty decisions often lead to more disruption than stability. Watch for any drastic restructuring efforts that don’t seem to have a clear strategy behind them or that make existing challenges worse. If leadership isn’t being thoughtful in their approach to change, it’s a sign to tread carefully.
• Withholding information and lack of transparency: If senior leadership is keeping key information close to the vest or failing to communicate what they know—or don’t know—this can signal a deeper issue. In times of uncertainty, transparency is key to keeping morale high and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Watch for signs of leadership avoiding tough conversations or failing to articulate a clear strategy. If you don’t know what direction they are leading towards, it’s time to start considering what that means for your future.

As things evolve, it’s essential to stay alert and question whether your institution is truly prepared for what’s ahead. Trust your gut. If you’re noticing these signs, it may be time to consider what options are available to you, whether that’s preparing for shifts within your current organization or exploring new opportunities.

What you can do now:

• Update your resume and highlight transferable skills, particularly in training, leadership, and process improvement.
• Stay informed by joining the research administration listserv which regularly posts jobs.
• Build your network by joining The Optimum Department Research Administration Community (RAC), a free, private space to connect outside of LinkedIn algorithms. This community is dedicated to research administrators in academic research and research institutes—because, honestly, we have enough problems to solve in our own profession without taking on the whole world. If you're in the trenches of pre- and post-award, compliance, and research development strategy, this space is for you.

If you're a Research Administrator, you can join the RAC by connecting/ messaging with me on LinkedIn or email [email protected] for the 'registration' link.