Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer

Job Summary

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officers
Under minimal supervision, the Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO) III/IV in the Proposal Development Office within the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC) supports investigators and organizational leadership in all aspects of pre-award activities. This includes the development and submission of grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, institutional MOUs, subcontracts, annual progress reports, and detailed budget preparation.

As a key member of the Proposal Development team, the GCO III/IV collaborates with Business Development, Principal Investigators, and Operations Leaders to perform both administrative and technical functions related to securing external funding. The role provides expert guidance throughout the pre-award lifecycle, including proposal preparation, budget development, submission processes, proposal defense and iteration, post-submission activities, and the transition to post-award management.

This position is based at the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC), where collaboration drives innovation to advance science, improve society, and benefit humanity. The Utah DCC offers the opportunity to work alongside high-performing, cutting-edge teams dedicated to designing, managing, and improving complex multi-site research and technical assistance centers.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions: Facilitate the grant process pre-award for the university. Coordinate cross-departmentally to research, prepare, finalize, submit, and follow-up on industry, foundation, and/or government grants. Research and draft proposals, develop budgets, and manage the submission process ensuring deadlines are met. Maintain records and communicate with funders. Establish relationships with foundations and private contributors. This position is primarily responsible for pre-award grants and contracts activities.

1. Proficient with all the duties and responsibilities of a Grant and Contract Officer II.
2. Leads and manages the proposal development process independently completing proposals for a variety of sponsors. Works closely with department, financial, and research teams to define assignments, monitor assignment completion, obtain required documents, and provide leadership to proposal submission. Directs and participates in application assembly. Works with OSP to maximize funding opportunities and limit financial deviations. Asks questions/provides answers demonstrating greater depth of knowledge of University and sponsor requirements.
3. Works closely with the Utah DCC Post-Award Financial Management team to ensure that funded grants and contracts transition effectively from Pre- to Post-Award. Provides compliance-related guidance to the Post-Award Financial Teams and Project Teams through the lifetime of the award or contract.
4. Makes substantive contributions to training, process development, and unit resources. Serves as a liaison to sponsors.
5. Serves as a liaison between the Investigator and Research Administration entities throughout the University, including the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of Sponsored Projects, Clinical Trials Office, Institutional Review Board, Technology & Venture Commercialization, etc.
6. Maintains current knowledge of expanding and changing federal, state, and University laws and requirements governing externally funded grants and contracts.
7. Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the unit or on special projects with minimal manager support.
8. Utilizes prior experiences to identify issues and offer guidance to others.
9. Consistently works on highly complex problems requiring independent action and decision-making. Must determine the best course of action to resolve problems and frequently make recommendations for improvement.
10. Knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with an in-depth understanding of the professional field.
11. Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the unit or on special projects with minimal manager support.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer (GCO), III

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P27613 Grade: P16 Expected Pay Range: $50,909 to $77,166

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer (GCO), IV

Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience. This is an Advanced-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P27614 Grade: P17 Expected Pay Range: $56,000 to $84,882