Pre-Award Administration Specialist

University of Arkansas•Fayetteville, AR

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Pre-Award Administration Specialist provides administrative support for externally funded proposals submitted by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES). As part of the AAES research administration team, the specialist assists faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission, ensuring compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, process-driven professional who can manage competing deadlines and provide excellent customer service. The specialist uses multiple electronic systems and tools, follows established procedures, identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, and collaborates with colleagues to streamline workflows and enhance research administration services. The position is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options, are available. The successful candidate must be available for in-person meetings and activities as needed and must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Fayetteville or be willing to relocate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to learn and use internal and external electronic research administration systems, sponsor portals, and related technologies.
Ability to follow established processes and exercise sound judgment while contributing ideas to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and workflow effectiveness.
Must be available for in-person meetings and activities as needed and reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Fayetteville, Arkansas, or be willing to relocate.

Nice To Haves

Two years of professional experience in sponsored programs, proposal development, finance, compliance, or project coordination.
Experience supporting proposal development (such as USDA proposals), grant administration, or sponsored projects in higher education, government, nonprofit, or research environments.
Experience assisting with budget development, budget review, or financial administration.
Experience using electronic research administration systems (such as Streamlyne), sponsor submission portals, or other complex online systems.
Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, guidelines, or regulatory requirements.
Experience providing professional support to faculty, researchers, administrators, or other stakeholders.
Experience developing guidance materials, process documentation, templates, or training resources.
Knowledge of research administration, grant proposal preparation, budgeting, or related administrative practices.

Responsibilities

Assist AAES faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission activities.
Help ensure proposals comply with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
Use electronic research administration systems, sponsor portals, and related tools.
Follow established procedures and manage multiple competing deadlines.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and contribute to streamlined workflows and service quality.
Provide professional support and customer service to faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.