Pre-Award Research Administrator

This position is responsible for managing the day-to-day aspects of pre-award research administration. The role involves reviewing funding opportunities, developing budgets, and coordinating subcontract arrangements. The candidate will work both independently and collaboratively with the CHS-SPO Team to support pre-award duties.

• Assist with grant proposal processing tasks, including preparation of grant, subcontract, and contract proposals for new research projects and continuation/supplemental funding proposals for existing projects.
• Thoroughly review funding opportunity announcements.
• Assist faculty with budget development.
• Review proposal documents for compliance and completion of internal and sponsor forms, such as budget justifications, biographical sketches, and institutional descriptions.
• Prepare proposals in the universitys grant management system, RAMS-SPOT, and/or directly in the sponsor portal, ensuring timely submission to meet grant proposal deadlines.
• Collaborate with VCUs Office of Grants & Contracts to resolve accounting issues.
• Coordinate submission of grant proposals and post-award administrative actions and reports with VCUs Division of Sponsored Programs.
• Provide answers and education to College of Humanities and Sciences employees on grants and federal compliance issues.
• Complete other duties as assigned in a timely and professional manner as requested by the Director of CHS-SPO.

• Experience in budget development, pre-award research administration, federal grants, and complex budgeting for 9-month faculty, summer salary, and graduate students.
• Knowledge of federal agency document compliance (NSF, NIH, State, Non-Profits).
• Strong communication and troubleshooting skills under pressure.
• Proficiency in grants, clinical research, proposals, financial management, research administration, reconciliation, administration, and reporting.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and/or two or more years of experience in research administration.
• Ability to work well under deadline pressures while maintaining accuracy and customer service.
• Experience fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
• Knowledge and experience with grant and contract procedures.
• Ability to apply and interpret university and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations concerning sponsored projects.
• Open and collaborative style encouraging teamwork and cooperation.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office with emphasis on Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with various electronic sponsor portal systems.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Logical reasoning and analytical skills for problem resolution.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate project-related data on budgets and expenditures.
• Exceptional communication, organizational, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively and clearly respond to inquiries from faculty, staff, and sponsors.
• Understanding of state and federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance (2
  
  CFR
  200), and Cost Accounting Standards.
• Interest and willingness to learn the intricacies of pre-award grant administration.

This position is 100% remote, offering flexibility and the opportunity to support the department with a pre-award backlog of research opportunities. The role is expected to support the team for six months with potential for extension or conversion based on budget.

This is a Contract position based out of Richmond, VA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $46.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for…