"Pre-Award Specialist"

Job Summary

Manages pre-award activities using knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pre-award functions and awareness of federal rules and regulations related to research grant activity. Pre-award activities include, but are not limited to, assisting faculty and/or Principal Investigators (PIs) in the preparation and submission of grant and award intake for federal, state, local, and nonprofit sponsors. Builds and maintains partnering relationships with internal stakeholders and other operational departments while acting as a liaison with sponsors.

Responsibilities

1. Develops and provides detailed proposal checklists, templates, and timelines to manage workflows and help guide faculty and their staff through the proposal development process.
2. Reviews federal, state, nonprofit, and local grant applications.
3. Provides guidance throughout the budget development process ensuring compliance and accuracy prior to proposal submission.
4. Obtains and/or provides institutional components of proposals and performs administrative validation on all proposal elements.
5. Prepares proposals for submission to sponsors using electronic submission portals, including Cayuse (KSU's grants management system), FastLane/Research.gov, Assist, and grants.gov.
6. Manages routing process in Cayuse or other electronic grants management system.
7. Contributes to Sponsored Programs website to ensure it is user-friendly, has useful information, and is up to date. Facilitates Just-In-Time and other pre-award actions requiring institutional authorized review.
8. Intakes awards and prepares internal documentation for hand off to other Sponsored Programs Administration units.
9. Interacts regularly with and provide superior support and service to faculty and staff seeking sponsored funding.
10. Serves as primary intermediary with all pertinent sponsors, faculty, staff and campus entities.
11. Ensures compliance with all sponsor guidelines and deadlines and KSU policies.

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

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

Required Experience

Two (2) years of related work experience in sponsored program proposal review, grant administration, or research development within a university, non-profit, or academic medical center setting.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-award Research Administrator (CPRA).

Preferred Educational Qualifications

Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

Preferred Experience

Experience with applying and interpreting Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, federal agency specific regulations, and non-federal sponsor guidelines. Experience with electronic grants management system.

Proposed Salary

The budgeted salary range is $58,000 to $70,000. 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 professional phone and e-mail etiquette.