Pre-Award Administration Specialist

University of Arkansas System•Fayetteville, AR

2d•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 a member of the AAES research administration team, the specialist assists faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission while ensuring compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements. The position calls for a highly organized, detail-oriented, process-driven professional who can manage competing deadlines and provide excellent customer service. The specialist learns and uses multiple electronic systems and tools, follows established procedures, identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, and collaborates with colleagues to streamline workflows and improve service across research administration. The position is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options, are available, but the successful candidate must be available for in-person meetings and activities as needed and must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Fayetteville or be willing to relocate.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Knowledge of research administration, grant proposal preparation, budgeting, or related administrative practices.
Ability to interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders.
Ability to learn and use internal and external electronic research administration systems, sponsor portals, and related technologies.
Ability to follow established processes, exercise sound judgment, and contribute 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 (e.g., USDA), grant administration, or sponsored projects in a higher education, government, nonprofit, or research environment.
Experience assisting with budget development, budget review, or financial administration.
Experience using electronic research administration systems (e.g., 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.

Responsibilities

Assist AAES faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission activities.
Support externally funded proposals while ensuring compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
Use electronic systems and tools to support research administration activities.
Follow established procedures and manage multiple competing deadlines while delivering customer service.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and collaborate with colleagues to streamline workflows and enhance service.