Pre-Award Administration Specialist

StartupNWA; Fayetteville (AR); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits Eligible

Job summary

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s AAES seeks a Pre-Award Administration Specialist in Fayetteville, AR to provide administrative support for externally funded proposals. You will assist faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission while ensuring compliance with sponsor and institutional requirements.

The role requires highly organized, detail-oriented, process-driven professionals who can manage multiple deadlines, learn new electronic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for externally funded proposals.
• Assist with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
• Learn and use multiple electronic systems and tools.
• Collaborate with colleagues to streamline workflows and enhance service.

Skills

Budgeting

Grant administration

Proposal development

Sponsor portals

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Streamlyne

Job description

Closing Date:

10/28/2026

Type of Position:

Professional Staff (Non-Classified)

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at [e-mail].

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

Grants Office

Department's Website:

https://aaes.uada.edu

Summary of Job Duties:

The Pre-Award Administration Specialist provides administrative support for externally funded proposals submitted by the UADA Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES). Working as a member of the AAES research administration team, this position assists AAES faculty and staff with proposal development, preparation, review, and submission activities, while ensuring compliance with sponsor, institutional, and regulatory requirements.
The position requires a highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven professional who can manage multiple competing deadlines while delivering excellent customer service. The position requires the ability to learn and use multiple electronic systems and tools. The specialist follows established procedures, identifies potential opportunities to improve efficiency, and collaborates with colleagues to streamline workflows and enhance service across the research administration enterprise.
This position is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The AAES offers flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options; however, the successful candidate must be available for in-person meetings and activities as needed and therefore must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of Fayetteville or be willing to relocate.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of professional experience in sponsored programs, proposal development, finance, compliance, or project coordination
• Experience supporting proposal development (e.g., USDA), grant administration, or sponsored projects in a higher education, government, nonprofit, or research environment.
• Experience assisting with budget development, budget review, or financial administration.
• Experience using electronic research administration systems (e.g., Streamlyne), sponsor submission portals, or other complex online systems.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, procedures, guidelines, or regulatory requirements.
• Experience providing professional support to faculty, researchers, administrators, or other stakeholders.
• Experience developing guidance materials, process documentation, templates, or training resources.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of research administration, grant proposal preparation, budgeting, or related administrative practices.
• Ability to interpret and apply sponsor guidelines, institutional policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to learn and utilize internal and external electronic research administration systems, sponsor portals, and related technologies.
• Ability to follow established processes and exercise sound judgement, while contributing ideas that improve operational efficiency, service quality, and workflow effectiveness.

Salary Information:

commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

No Background Check Required

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Frequent Physical Activity:

Hearing, Sitting, Talking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes