Proposal and Award Generalist, Liberal Arts Award Hub
About The Position
The College of the Liberal Arts Research Office is seeking a Proposal and Award Generalist to provide pre-award administration services and expertise to all departments and colleges within the Liberal Arts Award Hub. The Liberal Arts Award Hub is comprised of the College of the Liberal Arts, College of Education, Bellisario College of Communications, and Penn State Dickinson Law. The Proposal and Award Generalist will deliver pre‑award research administration services, partnering with faculty and college personnel to identify funding opportunities, prepare and submit competitive proposals, ensure compliance, and support successful sponsored research activities. As a member of the pre-award services team, Proposal and Award Generalist will perform the above work activities in a large volume, fast paced, and multifaceted environment.
Requirements
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills; inclusive and respectful when working with others
- Ability to respond professionally to principal investigators (PIs), both regularly and in challenging situations
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment as a team player
- Effective organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Bachelor's Degree
- 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Penn State’s ACOR Certification and Education Series (ACES) program graduate
- Working knowledge of Penn State’s Financial System and SIMS (Penn State’s budgeting system)
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat for document preparation, data tracking, and professional communication
- Working knowledge of common electronic proposal submission systems (e.g., grants.gov, Research.gov, Cayuse, and other sponsor portals)
Responsibilities
- Based on faculty expertise and faculty requests, search for, identify, analyze, and distribute funding opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and nonprofit organizations
- Advise Principal Investigators (PIs) on compliance requirements, including human subjects, animal care, invention disclosures, patents, and copyrights
- Identify and proactively communicate potential compliance or risk issues; escalate high‑risk proposals to management as needed
- Prepare for and manage high‑volume proposal cycles; advise PIs on anticipated changes in submission volume and sponsor requirements
- Assist with proposal development by reviewing sponsor and institutional guidelines, required forms, certifications, and timelines; update and/or create derivative checklists for PIs
- Develop and finalize proposal budgets and budget justifications, including cost sharing, subawards, and financial documentation in coordination with PIs and sponsors
- Coordinate and assemble complex and limited submissions in collaboration with college/unit offices and research administration partners
- Provide guidance on allowable costs, indirect cost rates, advanced funding requests, and other financial considerations impacting proposals
- Review documents and proposal contents against checklists and guidelines for compliance
- Submit grant proposals on behalf of the institution and PIs when authorized
- Maintain electronic records of grants and awards
- Monitor submissions and awards using electronic research systems
- Track funding and project end dates
- Assist PIs with completing annual and final grant reports
Benefits
- competitive benefits package for full-time employees
- comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- robust retirement plans
- substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
