Proposal Research Project Manager (Level I, II or III) - College of Engineering

Colorado State University•Fort Collins, CO

9d•$70,970 - $80,210

About The Position

The Proposal Research Project Manager (RPM) provides pre-award support to College of Engineering faculty and researchers by coordinating competitive grant and contract applications for federal, state, local, foundation, commercial, and other sponsors. The role prepares accurate, timely proposal budgets and applications in compliance with applicable regulations, sponsor requirements, university rules, and submission processes. The RPM stays current on university and federal regulations, agency guidelines, and application portals, and serves as a resource for extramural funding. The position works collaboratively with faculty, research staff, administrators, college and department leaders, central university offices including the Office of Sponsored Programs, sponsor representatives, and external partners. It does not participate in the scientific research of projects. The position reports to the Director of Pre-award Support in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University. There is no supervision responsibility. RPMs may also manage small post-award portfolios to broaden their research administration experience. The selected candidate will be classified at Level I, II, or III based on education and experience. Remote work is negotiable based on candidate experience; remote candidates may need to be on campus periodically and are expected to commute to Fort Collins when necessary. The position is open until filled, with full consideration for applications submitted by October 25, 2026.

Requirements

RPM Level I: Bachelor's degree, or a high school diploma plus eight years of relevant work experience or a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA) certification.
RPM Level I: Two years of related professional experience.
RPM Level II: Bachelor's degree, or a high school diploma plus eight years of relevant work experience or a CRA or CPRA certification.
RPM Level II: Two years of related professional experience plus three years of research administration experience, including proposal submissions, project management, and/or financial management.
RPM Level III: Bachelor's degree, or a high school diploma plus eight years of relevant work experience or a CRA or CPRA certification.
RPM Level III: Five or more years of research administration experience, including proposal submissions, project management, and/or financial management.
RPM Level III: Pre-award experience, with emphasis on complex proposals involving cost share, multiple sub-awards, a wide variety of agencies, detailed spreadsheets and budget presentations, and compliance with Uniform Guidance and/or agency policies.
Legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposal start date; the department will not sponsor a visa.
New hires must complete a pre-employment criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Time-management skills to meet critical deadlines and manage changing priorities.
Advanced knowledge of office productivity software, including MS Office; proficiency developing complex formulas and pivot tables in Excel or similar spreadsheet software; experience with data retrieval or database management software such as Oracle, Access, or Smartsheet; and Adobe Acrobat.
Experience making financial decisions based on Federal Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance.
Experience working in higher education.
Financial management experience, including forecasting, personnel planning, expenditure tracking, and re-budgeting.
Experience with administrative activities associated with the scientific research lifecycle.
Experience with Kuali Research Proposal Development (KRPD) and Kuali Financial System (KFS), or similar proposal budgeting and financial management software.
Experience preparing scientific research proposals, including budget development for multiple federal and non-federal funding agencies and their submission portals.
Research administration certification such as CRA, CPRA, and/or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA).
Experience building strong customer relationships through subject-matter knowledge and effective communication with diverse customers and colleagues.
Ability to take initiative in problem-solving by researching information and communicating with relevant resources and connections.

Responsibilities

Research and coordinate preparation of scientific research proposals to federal sponsors, including NSF, NIH, NASA, NOAA, EPA, DOE, DOD, and the National Park Service.
Prepare proposals for state, local, and international government funding, as well as industry, foundation, nonprofit, and other sponsors.
Investigate funding programs and research submission, compliance, and project cost-share requirements.
Consult with sponsor representatives.
Prepare proposal budgets and draft budget justifications, ensuring anticipated costs meet application requirements for allowability and allocability.
Coordinate and recommend solutions for project cost-share requirements.
Coordinate budgets and application requirements across CSU colleges and other institutions for collaborative projects.
Coordinate directly with the Office of Sponsored Programs to meet submission requirements.
Review funding opportunity requirements and communicate them to principal investigators, college leadership, and the Office of Sponsored Programs; ensure unusual requirements receive appropriate review before submission.
Build collaborative relationships with people within and outside the college.
Maintain working knowledge of required software, including Kuali Research Proposal Development (KRPD), Smartsheet, sponsor portals, and templates.
At times, manage small post-award portfolios.
Participate in NCURA professional meetings and other professional growth opportunities.
Stay current on university financial rules to prepare budgets accurately.
Help the college adapt to sponsor changes by reviewing announcements, attending training, and collaborating with colleagues.
Collaborate with peers to improve internal systems, including assessing software features and limitations and recommending improvements.
Perform other duties as assigned.