Assistant Director of Pre-Award; Office of Programs

Assistant Director of Pre-Award (Office of Sponsored Programs) About the Opportunity

This posting is open to current employees of the 17 constituent institutions of the UNC System, the UNC System Office, and affiliates.

The Assistant Director of Pre-Award is responsible for all proposals and applications for sponsored awards. The pre-award position will provide backup to post-award administration of contract and grant awards, with a portfolio of over $45 M in awards for FY25 and over 100 sub-awards. This position is considered a subject matter expert (SME) in pre and post award research administration for the UNCSO, PBSNC, UNC System Campuses, private universities, and non-profit entities and will make independent decisions and provide solutions/recommendations for proposals including proposal requirements, timelines for submission, budgets, budget justifications, and F&A waivers.

The position will be the backup for pre-award activity for the Director of Office of Sponsored Programs when needed. Full knowledge of all University of North Carolina System (UNCS) policies, state, local and federal policies/regulations are required for this position including the federal 2 CFR 200 also known as Uniform Guidance. The ability to train others at UNCSO, PBSNC, UNC campuses, and other external entities on the processes for pre-award such as submitting proposals and items to the sponsors is required of this position.

Oversight and participation of the changes in Connect Carolina for the sponsored programs team is required. Communicating effectively to all customers at the UNCS and other entities along with comprehensive written ability is required. Compliance requirements must be met on a continual basis to minimize risk to the UNCSO. This position interacts with a variety of staff members including senior leaders, project managers, support personnel in the development of proposals, management of sponsored awards as well as ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

Position is considered high level and will need to communicate with officials from the federal, state, and local governments sometimes making decisions quickly. Position serves as one of the authorized organizational representatives required to submit proposals to the federal government and other agencies.

This position will be a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

Mid-to-late career with master’s degree and 2-4 years experience or bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience.

Experience with contracts and grants pre-award and/or post-award administration; and/or research administration.

At least 7 years of higher education experience in research administration including supervision of a team.

• Classification: Finance/Budget Analyst III
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
• Position Number: G0020042
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, will receive priority consideration.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process. The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.