Pre-Award Research Administrator

Colorado State University • Fort Collins, CO

11h

About The Position

Colorado State University is hiring one person to serve in either the Pre-Award Research Administrator or Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator position, based on education, experience, and demonstrated ability to handle work of varying complexity, independence, and responsibility. The role supports the University’s research mission by reviewing, preparing, and submitting sponsored project proposals as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). It ensures proposals comply with sponsor requirements, applicable regulations, and institutional policies while protecting the University’s legal and financial interests.

The Pre-Award Research Administrator works with a defined portfolio and collaborates with faculty, department research administrators, and sponsors, providing guidance throughout proposal submission. The Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator independently manages more complex proposals and a larger, more complex portfolio, and provides expert guidance, training, and problem resolution to faculty, department research administrators, and campus partners. The senior role also contributes to special projects and initiatives and may serve as a point of contact for research administration guidance.

The posting lists salary ranges of $63,000–$70,000 for the Pre-Award Research Administrator and $67,000–$80,000 for the Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator. For full consideration, applications were requested by Friday, November 13, 2026. Applicants must submit a complete application online; mailed or emailed applications are not accepted. A complete application includes a statement of qualifications addressing each qualification and a resume. The posting also identifies Resume/CV and Special Required Documentation among the application documents. CSU conducts background checks for finalists before a final offer.

Requirements

• Pre-Award Research Administrator: Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in research administration, or a high school diploma/GED and at least 5 years of research administration experience in lieu of a degree.
• Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator: Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in research administration, or a high school diploma/GED and at least 7 years of research administration experience in lieu of a degree.
• Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications stated in the announcement.
• Submit a complete online application; mailed or emailed applications are not accepted.
• Provide a statement of qualifications addressing each qualification described in the announcement and a resume.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing proposal development training to faculty or staff.
• Experience serving as a point of contact for research administration guidance.
• Familiarity with federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, sponsor systems, and compliance requirements.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as NCURA or SRA, or relevant professional development activities.
• Experience guiding vendor-versus-subrecipient determinations and other complex pre-award matters.

Responsibilities

• Review sponsor guidelines and prepare and submit complete, compliant proposal packages in sponsor systems by established deadlines.
• Analyze proposals and budgets for compliance with federal, state, and non-federal regulations and institutional policies; review budget justifications for accuracy and alignment.
• Advise faculty and staff on proposal requirements, cost allowability, budget modifications, and pre-award best practices.
• Address compliance requirements such as IRB, IACUC, and COI; ensure institutional commitments are documented and approved; and resolve administrative or financial issues before submission.
• Identify non-standard terms and conditions, route them for appropriate review, and determine when additional approvals are required.
• Enter and maintain accurate proposal records in the electronic research administration system; coordinate revisions, negotiations, and required representations and certifications.
• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative by signing and submitting proposals and related documents on behalf of the University.
• Participate in special initiatives, professional development opportunities, and hiring committees to support the Office of Sponsored Programs.
• For the senior role, perform the above responsibilities with increased independence while managing a higher volume and complexity of proposals and unit assignments.

Benefits

• The posting describes a robust benefits package and mentions a collaborative atmosphere and focus on work-life balance; it links to detailed benefits information and additional CSU perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level