Pre-Award Consultant

largest employers in North Carolina, offering a large range of career opportunities. Visit us at https://jobs.hr.ncsu.edu/. Department: 110305 - CALS CORE Support Location: Raleigh, North Carolina Essential Job Duties: As the Pre-Award Consultant, you will support the research mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) by guiding faculty through the development, review, and submission of sponsored research proposals. Within the CALS Office of Grants & Contracts, housed within College Operations, Research and Extension (CORE) Support, you will independently manage the pre-award portfolio for assigned departments, interpreting sponsor and university requirements, coordinating proposal activities, and helping faculty navigate the complexities of the proposal submission process. Your work will help ensure proposals are accurate, complete, compliant, and submitted by established deadlines while supporting the college's research goals and funding opportunities. Key Responsibilities Proposal Development & Submission Advise Principal Investigators (PIs) on proposal requirements, interpret funding announcements, and assist with the development of proposal budgets and justifications. Coordinate proposal preparation, review, and submission through university and sponsor systems, establishing deadlines and managing submission activities for assigned faculty and departments. Independently contact sponsors to clarify proposal requirements and provide additional materials after submission but before award, such as revised budgets and required institutional approvals. Pre-Award Portfolio & Stakeholder Coordination Independently manage the sponsored program pre-award portfolio for assigned departments, coordinating with PIs, CALS Business Liaisons, Department Business Coordinators, university administrative units, sponsors, and college leadership. Provide guidance on sponsor and university policies, procedures, and submission requirements, helping faculty and departmental partners navigate proposal-related questions and resolve issues. Regulatory & Administrative Compliance Interpret sponsor and university requirements related to proposal submissions, including applicable regulatory and institutional approvals, and coordinate with the appropriate offices to obtain required documentation. Assist faculty and departmental partners in obtaining updated information related to funding opportunities, reporting timelines, fiscal matters, and regulatory compliance. Reporting & Proposal Activity Analysis Generate and analyze reports for the Pre-Award Manager, CALS ORA Director, deans, department heads, and PIs to monitor proposal activity, funding volume, and proposal success rates. Provide information and updates that support proposal planning, submission timelines, and assessment of the college's sponsored research activity. If you enjoy working independently, advising faculty, and navigating the complexities of sponsored research proposals, this is an opportunity to contribute directly to the research mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We welcome you to apply and bring your expertise in pre-award administration to support faculty and advance research opportunities across the college. This position is open for current NC State Employees only, permanent or temporary. Other Work/Responsibilities: Represent assigned departments and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at university meetings. Participate in professional organizations to expand resources, strengthen professional connections, and enhance the visibility and reputation of the University. Minimum Experience/Education: Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Required Qualifications: Knowledge of internal, state, foundation, and federal proposal submission systems (examples include, but are not limited to, RED, Fastlane, eRA Commons, Grants.gov, etc.). Ability to administer and/or manage a program with established guidelines and standards. Ability to make decisions independently, assess project needs, exercise judgment, discretion, and initiative in the development and interpretation of a wide range of administrative policies and procedures. Ability to work as a team as well as independently. Outstanding communication skills are vital. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, University and governmental officials, sponsors, and the general public. Ability to provide outstanding customer service. Strong knowledge of business administration and accounting practices, budgeting, and forecasting. Must be highly organized and flexible in managing workload. Preferred Qualifications: Experience supporting grant or sponsored research activities within a large public institution. Ability to interpret and analyze sponsor requirements and strategically plan proposal development and submission. Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance and its application to sponsored programs. Experience managing multiple projects or assignments simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting established deadlines. Required license or certification: N/A Position Number: 00043565 AA/EEO Statement: NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu . Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.