Engineering Pre-Award Research Support Lead

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Lead for the College of Engineering pre-award team, this position will oversee staff and provide direction, administrative support, and resources for the pre-award research administration function of the College of Engineering. This position requires a high degree of initiative and independence. The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to producing knowledge that addresses grand challenges in advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. We pride ourselves on producing ethical, globally aware engineers whose work makes the world safer and more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the College of Engineering is committed to improving the quality of life for our Iowa community, as well as for people across the United States and around the world. We uphold the values of respect, community, and collaboration in all our endeavors, fostering a welcoming and respectful environment where members are valued and supported. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive environment that values work-life balance and personal well-being.

Requirements

A Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Minimum of three years of experience with research funding acquisition process and proposal development, including experience developing and managing proposal budgets for multiple concurrent projects.
Experience working with federal funding agencies.
Demonstrated ability in leading, motivating, evaluating, and rewarding cross-functional teams with extensive proficiency in team leadership and collaboration.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as demonstrated at an extensive proficiency level.
Accuracy and attention to detail, as demonstrated at an extensive proficiency level.
Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
Extensive proficiency in Microsoft Office computer programs, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Nice To Haves

Extensive knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations, and experience working with the University of Iowa Research Information System (UIRIS), Cayuse, and eRA Commons.
Extensive experience working with a range of local, state, and industry sponsors.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage pre-award activities for federal and non-federal funding opportunities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant proposal submissions.
Support faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and staff in development of research proposals by providing guidance with the university’s research infrastructure; advising on internal deadlines; developing supporting materials; interpreting sponsor guidelines; preparing budgets and proofreading proposal documents.
Prepare budgets for grant, contract, and sub-award proposals, renewals, budget justifications and periodic reports in accordance with federal, UI, and private foundations policies/deadlines.
Submit cost-share requests as part of proposal process and advise DEO/Center Director and research administrator of implications of grant awards, such as cost sharing requests and use of facilities.
Ensure compliance with contract/grant terms in accordance with university policies and state and federal regulations.
Resolve problems and potential compliance issues in close collaboration with PIs.
Work with the Associate Dean for Research and center/institute directors to develop and implement strategic plans to meet funding-related goals of the College.
Prepare and/or edit reports, handbooks, training materials, funding, and research related materials as needed.
Serve as liaison to internal organizations and external funding agencies to assure compliance, adherence to policies and status tracking, and direct communications with sponsors and other entities.
Communicate with University of Iowa units to assure compliance, adherence to policies and status tracking, and direct communications with sponsors and other entities.
In collaboration with stakeholders develop, gather input, and feedback, and implement policies and practices that supports staff engagement in the workplace.
Assist in the hiring, and developing, of the pre-award team, ensuring staff adherence to university and sponsor requirements and policies.