Assistant/Associate Director, Pre-Award & Proposals

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 77,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pennsylvania seeks an Assistant/Associate Director for Pre-Award, Proposal and Award Management in Philadelphia. The role focuses on pre-award duties, ensuring compliance and timely submissions for sponsored research projects.

You will support PIs and departments, manage complex operational matters, and collaborate with a matrixed university environment to provide high-quality service and training on sponsored programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor Degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Ability to work independently, under the pressure of deadlines, demonstrate attention to detail and a proactive work style.
• Experience with federal/non-federal sponsors and University guidelines/policies is strongly preferred.
• Work effectively in a highly matrixed and decentralized environment with inclusion and belonging in a changing academic setting.

Responsibilities

• Review, authorize, and submit proposals on behalf of the university to funding sponsors, ensuring policy compliance.
• Advise faculty and staff on funding opportunities and proposal preparation strategies.
• Bind the university to terms and conditions for grants and contracts; guide subawards and non-monetary agreements.
• Liaise with sponsors and faculty; review final non-financial reports and maintain sponsor policy knowledge.
• Meet with faculty to ensure service needs are met and address division or department concerns.
• Identify training needs and develop university-wide sponsored project training offerings; maintain training content.

Skills

Independent work

Attention to detail

Sponsor experience

Matrixed environment

Education

Bachelor Degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Job description

University of Pennsylvania seeks an Assistant/Associate Director for Pre-Award, Proposal and Award Management in Philadelphia. The role focuses on pre-award duties, ensuring compliance and timely submissions for sponsored research projects.

You will support PIs and departments, manage complex operational matters, and collaborate with a matrixed university environment to provide high-quality service and training on sponsored programs.