Pre-Award Manager

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.

Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life-creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.

As a member of the Seahawk community, you'll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

$77,500 - $86,600

Pre-Award Manager

(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./40824

E1616

6023

Main UNCW Campus

Sponsored Programs & Research Compliance - 31110

Academic Affairs - 30 Division

Under the direction of the SPARC Director, the Pre-Award Manager oversees all pre-award activities for the SPARC office. The individual makes decisions and authorizes actions in collaboration with the leadership team. Duties include supervision, training, and management of the SPARC Pre-Award Team comprised of Sponsored Programs Officers; advises Principal Investigators and supporting staff with project proposals, budget analysis and review, and submission;

confirms compliance with University and sponsor guidelines and requirements; holds delegated authority to evaluate and endorse proposals on behalf of the University; coordinates and resolves pre-award management and compliance issues, questions, and procedures with other University offices; resolves complex and higher-level pre-award issues; contributes to proposal activity, proposal volume, and pre-award reporting by reviewing data in electronic systems to ensure accuracy;

and works closely with the electronic research administration team to support proposal-related system functionality and data integrity.

The Pre-Award Manager serves as a liaison among Principal Investigators, university administrative units, sponsors, departments/deans, and the SPARC team on proposal development, proposal review, and pre-award compliance matters. The role is critical in interpreting agency and university proposal requirements, policies, and best practices for departments; disseminating information on proposal and award volume and budget development; and proactively communicating changes to the research community about sponsor proposal requirements and other pre-award regulatory information.

A key success factor for this role is staying current with federal, state, and sponsor requirements applicable to proposal development and submission, including Uniform Guidance, FARs and DFARs when relevant to federal contract proposals, and institutional policies governing sponsored programs. The position must also be able to train others on the practical application of these requirements in the pre-award process.

• A master's degree and three years of relevant experience; or, on an exceptional basis, a bachelor's degree and five or more years of pre-award research administration experience for candidates demonstrating comparable professional-level background in sponsored research administration.
• At least three years of experience in pre-award research administration within a centralized research administration office.

• Extensive knowledge of research administration, proposal budgeting, sponsor guidelines, institutional approvals, and pre-award compliance practices.
• Management experience in an academic setting.
• Research administration certification, including, but not limited to, Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
• Experience working in a fast-paced, changing…