"Grant & Contract Administrator - Pre-Award"

Grant & Contract Administrator - Pre-Award (FP090A)

ODU is seeking candidates for a Grant & Contract Administrator - Pre-Award full-time, 12 month) position.

The primary purpose of this position is to support faculty and research staff in the development and submission of proposals for externally funded research and sponsored programs. The Pre-Award Grant and Contract Administrator (GCA) independently manages a portfolio of proposals and is responsible for ensuring that all administrative components of proposal preparation are accurate, compliant, and submitted by required deadlines. Key duties include interpreting funding opportunity announcements, developing and reviewing proposal budgets and justifications, preparing sponsor and internal forms, coordinating institutional approvals, and submitting proposals through various sponsor systems. The GCA provides guidance on sponsor requirements, university policies, and federal regulations, and collaborates with investigators, internal units, and external subrecipients to facilitate successful submissions. This position plays a critical role in advancing the research mission of Old Dominion University by delivering timely, knowledgeable, and service-oriented support throughout the pre-award lifecycle.

Required Education

Master’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Or a bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with professional experience equivalent to a master’s degree in a related area.

Required Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of pre-award project lifecycle activities related to externally funded research, such as proposal development, budget preparation, internal routing, or submission compliance.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with considerable skill in Excel for budget development and data tracking.
• Basic knowledge of budgeting principles, cost estimation, and sponsor-specific budget formats.
• Working knowledge of professional communication and customer service in a research or administrative setting.
• Basic knowledge of institutional and sponsor policies related to proposal submission and research development.
• Considerable knowledge of principles and practices in a general professional field such as finance, business administration, or research administration.
• Considerable ability to independently manage a diverse portfolio of proposals, apply sound judgment, make decisions, and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Working ability to monitor and assess personal performance in alignment with institutional expectations and proposal deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Considerable experience supporting sponsored research proposals, including budget development, sponsor documentation, and internal review workflows. Considerable knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements related to pre-award compliance, such as Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG, NIH GPS, or export control. Working knowledge of electronic research administration systems, such as ASSIST, Research.gov, Grants.gov, or similar sponsor platforms. Working knowledge of university or nonprofit research administration operations, particularly within an academic or research-intensive environment. Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA) designation.

Conditions of Employment:

Review Date: open until filled

To apply, please visit https://jobs.odu.edu/postings/25616

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.