Proposal Specialist II

Proposal Specialist II

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Office of Research sets the standard for excellence in service to our stakeholders by supporting research, commercialization, and economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, collaboration, and integrity, we foster an environment where employees can pursue their personal and professional goals while contributing to organizational success. We serve as an essential resource for attracting and retaining premier talent and research funding through operational excellence, innovative technology, and cohesive teamwork.

The Opportunity:

UCF's Office of Research is looking for a skilled Proposal Specialist II to join a team dedicated to advancing UCF's research mission through exceptional pre-award support.

In this position, you'll serve as a trusted partner to investigators and research administrators — ensuring proposals are accurate, compliant, and ready for submission to government and non-government entities. Your attention to detail, command of sponsor requirements, and commitment to compliance will directly enable UCF researchers to pursue the discoveries and innovations that advance our communities.

If you thrive in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment and are energized by connecting people to resources that make an impact, this is an opportunity to do meaningful work at one of the nation's leading public research universities.

Proposal Review & Compliance

• Conducts comprehensive review of completed proposals, ensuring that proposals are current, accurate and complete and in full compliance with sponsor and University policies, procedures, and other requirements.
• Ensures proposal application and approvals are routed and completed through university electronic systems used for review and processing; ensure records are accurate and complete.
• Collaborates with the senior proposal specialist on obtaining appropriate review and approvals for award terms and conditions and/or agreements as required at proposal stage.
• Ensures the adherence of established policies and procedures for submission to central office prior to proposal submission to external sponsoring agency or community partner (i.e. 5-day rule, eRA system, etc.).

Stakeholder Advising & Support

• Advises and assists University faculty, staff, departmental administrators and research coordinators in the interpretation of sponsor guidelines, forms, regulations, and policies related to proposal and budgetary requirements.
• Provides assistant and guidance to investigators and college and department research administrators on University and Sponsor requirements, procedural and policy changes affecting proposal preparation, review and submission.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Coordinates with research collaborators (e.g., subcontractors, consultants, evaluators, vendors, etc.) to ensure their commitment and eligibility, and that all proposed financial documents (e.g., subcontract budget, vendor quotes, etc.) are current, accurate, and complete.
• May participate and assist in the development and implementation of pre-award policies and procedures in conjunction with senior leadership to improve pre-award services.

Training, Development & General Duties

• May participate in providing training, workshops, and demonstrations to investigators and their staff on pre-award matters.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of various federal, state, and sponsoring agencies and UCF systems.
• Attends relevant internal/external professional development trainings, seminars, conferences, pre-award staff meetings, etc.
• Reports to the Assistant Director for Proposals and provides efficient and effective research administration. May report to the Proposal Specialist III.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in sponsored programs, including grant management, budgeting, non-profit management, or related areas, preferably within a research environment.
• Proficiency in interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies to ensure compliance during proposal review and submission process.
• Familiarity with university electronic research administration systems (e.g., Huron Research Suite, or similar platforms) and electronic systems for proposal review and processing (e.g., Huron Grants Suite), as well as other third-party electronic systems.
• Experience in addressing complex issues related to proposal review and submission, with an emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and sponsor requirements.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced research environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the capacity to identify issues and proactively propose solutions.
• Commitment to delivering…