Job Information
University of Massachusetts Amherst Pre-Award Administrator - Engineering (Temporary Professional) - Hybrid/Remote Opportunity in Amherst, Massachusetts
Pre-Award Administrator - Engineering (Temporary Professional) - Hybrid/Remote Opportunity
Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/822/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=518426&lJobSourceTypeID=801&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 518426
Work type: Hourly
Location: UMass Amherst
Department:Dean - Engineering
Union:Non-Benefited
Categories: Temporary Non-Benefited
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Research Development Services (RDS), the Pre-Award Research Administrator strengthens and enhances research in the College of Engineering (CoE) Office of RDS and identifies opportunities for expanding funding for on-going research. Performs diversified and complex administrative, financial and pre-award activities, including the submission of a high volume of complex and competitive grant proposals (including interdisciplinary research proposals, research center proposals and proposals for single or multiple investigators) in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
This is a temporary, unbenefited position.
Essential Functions
Manages the development and internal approval of research and special project proposals and contracts for submission to federal, state and private funding sources. Provides expert advice on agency, institutional and government proposal compliance to university faculty and Principal Investigators as assigned.
Manages the planning and development of grant or contract supported projects and programs. Provides critical analysis and guidance in the review and interpretation of opportunity announcement documents. Develops budgets and budget narratives sufficient to support project or program activities and consistent with applicable requirements. Drafts, writes and/or edits proposal documents. Reviews final proposals and ensures commitments (both fiscal and technical) and accountability are in accordance with university and sponsor policies, procedures, and regulations. Works cooperatively with supervisors, UMass Office of Pre-award Services (OPAS) personnel, various university staff and faculty, and funding agencies. Prepares and submits timely routing documentation for internal proposal submission approvals.
Provides professional consultation, management, and staff leadership to ensure that faculty investigators have: assistance in the proposal and budget development process for research proposals and progress reports to improve success rates, encourages multi-disciplinary submissions and project development; assistance with system-to-system proposal development and routing requirements; an effective team to package complete, accurate, and competitive proposals; assistance with obtaining all compliance approvals by the appropriate university regulatory committees (e.g. Institutional Review Board, institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Conflict of Interest).
Interprets and applies principles, rules, regulations, policies, precedents or other guidelines specific to the assigned research project(s) and its sponsor to resolve problems, answers questions and provides information and advice.
Acts as the primary liaison between Principal Investigator and the Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) for all pre-award and proposal matters. Is proactive and reactive to problems/concerns and finds appropriate and timely solutions.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Bachelor's degree with 2 years of professional experience preferably in sponsored programs (such as NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE, USDA as well as industry partners and non-profit foundations) and grant management in an academic or equivalent setting; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. One (1) year of relevant experience may be substituted for every one (1) year of required academia.
Demonstrated pre-award financial management experience, including proposal development and management.
Familiarity and experience with all types of award mechanisms, including grants, contracts, subcontracts, and cooperative agreements.
Knowledge of program administration guidelines for both federal and non-federal funding agencies.
Ability to understand and apply university policies and procedures, as well as the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, sub-awards and subcontracts.
Ability to work independently within the college, and to work as a team member with the OPAS, OPAM and other central administrative units of the University.
Ability to plan ahead, prioritize, and work under pressure in a deadline-oriented environment in which workload ebbs and flows and can require the management of multiple submissions across multiple PIs in a short span of time with frequent interruptions.
Ability to maintain accurate records and to prepare summary reports as required.
Ability to analyze complex situations, identify workable solutions, and effectively balance service with regulatory compliance.
Ability to work effectively, prioritize, and be flexible in a high-paced, high-volume professional environment.
Outstanding organizational skills, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, capable of self direction, ability to deal diplomatically with people at all levels, a high degree of personal integrity and discretion, solid decision-making skills, and judgment.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must have the ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison between granting agencies, university administration and the principal investigators.
Intermediate level of experience with Excel and Word and the willingness to learn new technology.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Demonstrated experience in the interpretation and application of regulations pertaining to sponsored programs.
Experience preparing/submitting scientific research proposals and budgets under tight deadlines. Proficient with electronic grants management systems (i.e. grants.gov, NIH eRA Commons, NSF Fastlane, Proposal Central, etc.) and experience with enterprise research administration systems (e.g. Kuali).
Ability to interpret and translate programmatic needs into cost effective budget proposals to maximize funding opportunities.
Experience managing finances and/or projects with an institution of higher education, including knowledge of government and fund accounting.
Experience with Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance Requirements.
Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, CFRA.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Work Schedule
37.5 hours/week, Monday-Friday, open to on-campus/hybrid/remote work.
Required to work some nights and weekends to meet proposal deadlines.
Non-benefitted temporary appointment for one year, anticipated appointment start date early July 2023.
Salary Information
$25.00 per hour.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please apply online and provide cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Search will remain open until a suitable candidate pool has been identified.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
Advertised: Apr 6 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: