Pre-Award Research Administrator

Virginia Commonwealth University • Richmond, VA

9d • $25 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the VCU College of Engineering as a part-time Pre-Award Research Administrator and help advance innovative, externally funded research. This flexible position offers the option to work fully remote or hybrid while partnering with faculty to develop competitive grant proposals, ensure compliance, and support research that makes a meaningful impact.

Since its inception in 1996, the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering has brought innovative, realworld engineering education to Central Virginia. Comprising five different departments plus the Dean’s office, the College of Engineering enrolls more than 1,700 undergraduate and 250 graduate students in several degree programs supported by approximately 600+ full-time, part-time, and student employees. As part of a premier research university known for tenacity, love of the city of Richmond, and commitment to opportunity and access, the College of Engineering values the significant and positive impact of our people and ideas in the promotion of regional and global prosperity involving research and life sciences.

Requirements

• Knowledge and work experience with sponsored project research proposal submissions.
• Must demonstrate preaward knowledge and an interest and willingness to learn the requirements of this position and acquire additional professional expertise.
• Experience drafting budgets and working with principal investigators on revisions as needed.
• Knowledge and work experience with sponsored award related federal laws, rules, and regulations.
• Capacity to draft clear budget justifications and other written materials, and accurate completion of administrative forms.
• Aptitude for interpreting and applying university and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations to assigned sponsored projects.
• Excellent computer skills using MS Office with an emphasis on Excel spreadsheets and using Gmail.
• Capacity to use a variety of online internal and external systems.
• Ability to be precise, thorough, reliable, work independently, adapt to frequent changes in work assignments, and possess the ability to reason, think logically and analyze situations to achieve resolution of problems or concerns.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills are necessary.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Must have the ability to effectively and clearly answer inquiries of faculty, staff, and various customer groups (i.e., external sponsors).
• Ability to maintain effective communication with fellow sponsored program staff.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and evaluate all sponsor project budget data.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with related Commonwealth of Virginia laws, rules, and regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of OMB cost principles and Uniformed Guidance 2CFR200 is preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in business or related field (or equivalent years of experience)
• 3 or more years of experience in pre-award support
• Understanding of OMB cost principles and Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200.

Responsibilities

• Prepare budgets for federal, non-profit, and industry sponsored project research proposals and, continuation/supplemental funding proposals.
• Review, interpret, and apply sponsor and university guidelines for sponsored project research proposals. Review proposals for compliance in accordance with university and sponsor policies and guidelines.
• Clearly communicate sponsor and university policies, procedures, and requirements pertaining to sponsored project research proposals to faculty, staff, external collaborators, postdoctoral research associates, and students.
• Advise faculty and other research personnel on practical approaches for successful research proposal submissions.
• Request and review subaward proposal materials.
• Prepare proposal budget and administrative forms in compliance with a sponsor’s guidelines.
• Inform faculty and other research proposal personnel on issues pertaining to internal and external sponsored project submissions.
• Assist with completing and review for compliance Current and Pending/Other Support documents and Biographical Sketches.
• The ideal candidate is able to work independently and collaboratively with team members, faculty, and external parties.

Benefits

• All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website [https://hr.vcu.edu/benefits/all-benefits/] for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree