Proposal Coordinator - Division of Research Administration

Overview

Proposal Coordinator Division of Research Administration

·     Fully remote, hybrid, or in-person work options available

·     Salary range approximately $55-75K - based on experience and qualifications

https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000001VE&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York

The Division of Research Administration (DRA) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a full-time Proposal Coordinator to assist faculty and staff in the preparation, review, and submission of applications for external funding.  DRA strives to provide the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators as we strive to become a Top 10 Public University (without a medical school).

  • Fully remote optional (within in the U.S.)
  • Professional Development support via NCURA, SRA, etc.
  • Career Path

Knoxville is the flagship campus in the University of Tennessee System.  In the most recent fiscal year, we submitted over 1,400 proposals requesting over $660M in funding and received more than $185M in sponsored program funding.  In addition, our Proposal Coordinators have the opportunity to partner with the University Research Development unit and work on high priority proposals of strategic importance to the University.  Our primary sponsors include Department of Energy and National Science Foundation and have increasing activity with the Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health, and private industry.

Description:

The Division of Research Administration (DRA), the central sponsored programs office for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, seeks a full-time Proposal Coordinator to assist faculty and staff in the preparation, review, and submission of applications for external funding.  DRA strives to provide the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators. 

This position performs routine sponsored programs activities associated with proposal reviews and submissions and learns the concepts of re-budgets and no cost time extensions.

DRA is committed to the professional development of its team and supports and encourages attendance to NCURA, SRA, and other member organizations pertinent to the research administration field.  In addition, DRA has an approved Career Path which offers opportunity for promotion within the office. 

Position Responsibilities

Engages in routine sponsored programs activities inclusive of proposal reviews and proposal submissions:

  • Prepare project budgets consistent with UT budget object codes
  • Understand and apply financial principles in OMB circular A-21, Al10, A133 and Uniform Guidance
  • Apply funding agency rules and regulations effectively and accurately
  • Use multiple electronic submission systems
  • Use multiple UT internal tracking and accounting systems
  • Possess the ability to understand and analyze Request for Proposals (solicitations) and communicates that information to faculty, peers, administrators, staff, and researchers
  • Learn UT fiscal policies related to sponsored programs and apply it to work assignments correctly
  • Provide thorough review and analysis of applications for external funding in accordance with UT policies and procedures
  • Provide support to the Research Development Team as a team member with another Sponsored Programs Administrator as the lead
  • Able to identify internal and external sources of funding and advise faculty on both
  • Recognize the need for compliance and directs Investigators to compliance officers
  • Understand basic requirements of IRB, IACUC, Export Control, and Bio-Safety
  • Consult with Assistant Directors and/or Directors on issues related to sponsored programs.  Seek advice and assistance as needed
  • Participate in the Mentor/Mentee Program.
  • Participate in DRA initiatives, such as RAOR, Newsletter and any other initiatives that arise.
  • Engages in knowledge acquisition and training in order to function independently as a Sponsored Programs Administrator inclusive of all necessary tools, systems, and concepts:
  • Learn the concept of rebudget and review the rebudget documentation for accuracy and assist with processing them
  • Learn the concept of no cost time extension and review documentation for accuracy and assist with processing them

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities: 

  • Must have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work individually and in a team environment
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to maintain a strong customer-service oriented environment
  • Must have strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively
  • Must demonstrate the ability to communicate in the English language including excellent reading comprehension skills
  • Must possess the ability to work collaboratively with others
  • Must have excellent organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills
  • Must demonstrate the ability to work with a detail orientation and a high level of initiative
  • Must have knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, in particular with Excel
  • Must have knowledge of sponsor specific submission systems (Fastlane and Grants.gov)

Preferred/Desired Qualifications: 

  • Knowledge of federal contract and grant provisions including federal acquisition regulations (FAR)
  • Knowledge of federal guidance with regard to grants and contracts administration including OMB Circular A-21, A133, and Uniform Guidance
  • Knowledge of federal proposal submission systems and electronic submission portals

Minimum Required Education and Experience: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Minimum 1 year experience working in Research Administration

Preferred/Desired Experience:

  • Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
  • Prefer prior administrative experience within a University, Federal Laboratory, or other research intensive environment. Demonstrated experience communicating to various audiences. 

Additional Information

  • Please attach the following electronic documents to the application: Cover letter, resume, and the names, email addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references.
  • Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.
  • Contact: Marie Penn, mpenn1@utk.edu

Related Websites:

 

Contact Information

Company
The University of Tennessee
First Name
Marie
Last Name
Penn
Address
Phone
865-974-5100
Contact Email
mpenn1@utk.edu
Contact URL
https://ut.taleo.net/careersection/ut_system/jobdetail.ftl?job=22000001VE&lang=en

Background Information

Education
4-Year Degree
Years of Experience
1
Industries
  • College/University
Categories
  • Sponsored Projects/Programs
Work Authorization
U.S. Citizen
Security Clearance
None

Target Job Information

Salary
$55-75K
Job Type
  • Full Time