"Pre-Award Lead Specialist"

Job Summary

Responsible for the management of assigned staff and oversight in the areas of proposal review, grant award and contract intake and review, and building and maintaining positive relations with internal and external customers and partner various KSU offices, analyzing and interpreting policy and procedures related to research administration, and developing and disseminating research administration-related information to the campus. Builds and maintains partnering relationships with internal stakeholders and other operational departments while acting as a liaison with sponsors.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads assigned staff within the Pre-Award unit
2. Advises on and contributes to applicable policies and procedures for proposal review and submission, award intake, and other pre-award related areas
3. Develops and provides detailed proposal checklists, templates, and timelines to manage workflows and help guide faculty and their staff through the proposal development process.
4. Reviews federal, state, local, nonprofit, and industry grant and contract applications
5. Provides guidance throughout the budget development process ensuring compliance and accuracy prior to proposal submission.
6. Obtains and/or provides institutional components of proposals and performs administrative validation on all proposal elements
7. Prepares proposals for submission to sponsors using electronic submission portals, including Cayuse (KSU's grants management system), FastLane/Research.gov, Assist, and grants.gov
8. Manages routing process in Cayuse or other electronic grants management system
9. Facilitates Just-In-Time and other pre-award actions requiring institutional authorized review
10. Intakes awards and prepares internal documentation for hand off to other Sponsored Programs Administration units
11. Interacts regularly with and provides high quality customer service to faculty and other staff throughout the proposal development and submission process
12. Leads team and faculty training
13. Aids in electronic system management and updating for both internal and sponsor systems
14. Serves as primary intermediary with all pertinent sponsors, faculty, staff and campus entities
15. Ensures adherence to quality standards, all policies, and award regulations

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent combination of education and/or experience

Required Experience
Five (5) years of experience in a sponsored programs office aiding in proposal review, submission, and management of externally sponsored activity and/or research development within a university setting, non-profit institution or academic medical centers
Experience with applying and interpreting Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, federal agency specific regulations, and non-federal sponsor guidelines

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-award Research Administration (CPRA)

Preferred Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education

Preferred Experience
Experience with Cayuse or electronic grants management systems
Experience using electronic systems, including FastLane/Research.gov, Assist, and grants.gov to submit grant/contract proposals
Experience using project management software to organize workflow a plus

Proposed Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $96,000. Offers are based on relevant experience.
Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to work independently without guidance
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge and understanding of relevant policies and/procedures that govern major federal and non-federal sponsors
Understanding of research administration roles and responsibilities for internal and external resources

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette