Temporary Proposal Research Project Manager - College of Engineering

Job Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking 1-2 temporary employees to support our research business operations. These positions offer considerable flexibility, with appointments ranging from part-time to full-time based on candidate availability, qualifications, and departmental needs. Remote and hybrid work arrangements may be available, with the level of flexibility determined by the successful candidate's experience, demonstrated competencies, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

The Proposal Research Project Manager (RPM) plays a leading role in the preparation and submission of scientific proposals to external sponsors, including federal, state, and local government agencies, industry, and foundations.

The RPM also provides day-to-day budget management of a complex portfolio of scientific research projects working closely with college faculty and senior research scientist to coordinate multiple research projects. This position does not participate in the scientific research of any project.

A successful RPM will be capable of coordinating complex expenditure planning for multiple research projects, forecasting, and recommending appropriate solutions for staff funding shortfalls, and purchasing or travel complications. This individual does not typically execute financial transactions, but reviews and approves/declines project related expenditures in consultation as needed with the projects’ principal investigator (PI).

The successful candidate will possess organizational skills, attention to detail, strong writing ability, and the ability to learn quickly; excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work with individuals and teams of faculty, research scientists, university administrators, and program managers and scientific collaborators in the U.S and abroad. The individual must also possess a strong work ethic and commitment to a quality work product and environment and be both proactive and a self-starter and have the ability to prioritize and deal with frequent interruptions in a fast-paced research environment.

The Proposal Research Project Manager reports to the Director of Pre-award Support in the Walter Scott, Jr, College of Engineering at the Colorado State University.

The College of Engineering Research Business Office (RBO) provides coordination and direct support for the management of federal, state, and commercial grants and contracts for research groups within the college. The RBO supports management decisions at all college levels with accurate and timely data accounting for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

September 27, 2026

• Researches and coordinates preparation of scientific research proposals to federal sponsors including, but not limited to, the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Park Service.

• Prepares proposals for state, local, international government funding, industry, foundation, non-profit, and other potential sponsors.

• Investigates availability of funding programs, and research submission, compliance, and project cost share requirements.

• Prepares proposal budgets and draft budget justifications, ensuring compliance to application requirements including allowability and allocability of anticipated costs.

• Coordinates and recommends solutions for project cost share requirements.

• Coordinates budget and application requirements across multiple CSU colleges and/or other institutions for collaborative projects.

• Coordinates directly…