Pre-Award University Research Administrator

What We Are Looking For

Baylor University is seeking a Pre‑Award University Research Administrator (URA) to support our mission by providing comprehensive pre‑award services to faculty investigators. This position is responsible for proposal development, sponsor guideline interpretation, budget preparation, and compliance review for external funding applications. The role requires close collaboration with faculty, department leadership, central research administration, and external sponsors to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant proposal submissions in alignment with Baylor University policies and sponsor regulations.

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant work experience are required. A Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience is preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered in lieu of the degree requirement.

All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

This position is eligible for hybrid or remote work.

• Provide expert guidance to faculty and research staff throughout the proposal development lifecycle, from funding opportunity identification through proposal submission
• Interpret and apply sponsor guidelines (e.g., federal, state, foundation, and industry sponsors) to ensure proposal compliance
• Prepare, review, and finalize proposal components, including budgets, budget justifications, subrecipient documentation, and administrative forms
• Coordinate proposal routing, internal approvals, and electronic submissions through sponsor and institutional systems
• Develop accurate and compliant project budgets in accordance with sponsor requirements and Baylor University policies
• Advise faculty on allowable costs, cost sharing, effort commitments, and facilities and administrative (F&A) cost recovery
• Review and validate subaward budgets and documentation for completeness and compliance
• Ensure proposals adhere to applicable federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), sponsor terms and conditions, and institutional policies
• Identify compliance considerations related to human subjects, animal care, export controls, conflict of interest, and other regulatory requirements, and coordinate with appropriate offices as needed
• Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty investigators on pre‑award administrative matters
• Liaise with central research administration, finance, legal, and compliance offices to resolve proposal issues
• Provide guidance and best‑practice recommendations to faculty and departmental staff related to proposal preparation and submission
• Maintain accurate proposal records and documentation in institutional systems
• Contribute to continuous improvement of pre‑award processes, templates, and internal controls
• Stay current on changes in sponsor policies, federal regulations, and institutional procedures
• Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor’s mission
• Ability to comply with university policies
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family’s wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $62,000 - $65,000. The full salary range for this position classification is $51,569.56 - $85,089.77.