Pre-Award Research Administrator

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

2d•$63,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Colorado State University is hiring one person who may be placed as either a Pre-Award Research Administrator or a Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator, depending on education, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform 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 compliance 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 throughout the proposal submission process. The Senior role independently manages complex proposals, works with a larger and 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. Both positions review sponsor requirements and proposal budgets, advise faculty and staff, address compliance and approval requirements, maintain proposal records, and submit proposals on the University’s behalf. The Senior position performs the same core responsibilities with increased independence and a higher volume and complexity of proposals and unit assignments.

Requirements

Pre-Award Research Administrator: Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of experience in research administration; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and at least 5 years of research administration experience.
Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator: Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of experience in research administration; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED and at least 7 years of research administration experience.

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 such as 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 and interpret 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 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 and route them for appropriate review; determine when additional approvals are required.
Accurately enter and maintain 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 growth and development of the Office of Sponsored Programs.
For the Senior role, manage a higher volume and complexity of proposals and unit assignments with increased independence.