Pre-Award Grants Research Administrator

Tennessee State University • Nashville, TN

40d

About The Position

Tennessee State University Department of Research and Sponsored Programs invites applications for the position of Pre-Award Grants Research Administrator.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Public Administration, Research Administration, or a STEM discipline); Master's preferred.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in research administration or grant management, particularly in a higher education, nonprofit, or research-intensive environment.
• Working knowledge of federal agency proposal requirements (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, DOD).
• Experience with proposal submission portals (Grants.gov Workspace, Research.gov).
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200} and other federal grant regulations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communicator with a service-oriented approach to supporting faculty and staff.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to interpret sponsor guidelines and ensure the development of compliant and competitive proposals.
• Prepare and review proposal budgets and justifications in accordance with institutional and sponsor policies.
• Ensure timely submission of proposals through electronic research administration systems (e.g., grants.gov, Research.gov, NSF Fastlane, NIH eRA Commons).
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and private sponsor regulations and institutional policies governing sponsored research.
• Route proposals through internal approval processes and maintain proposal records in the institution's research management system.
• Assist with institutional registrations and maintenance of organizational profiles with sponsor portals.
• Serve as a resource to faculty and staff by offering guidance, training, and assistance in pre-award procedures.
• Coordinate with post-award administrators to ensure continuity and compliance from proposal through award.
• Participate in workshops, webinars, and professional development opportunities to remain current on research administration practices.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures and training materials for pre award functions.

Benefits

• Tennessee State University offers eligible employees a competitive benefits package that includes annual leave (vacation), sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, flexible benefits plans and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees