Pre-Award Administrator, Sponsored Projects Services

University at Buffalo; Buffalo, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University at Buffalo is seeking a Pre-Award Administrator in Sponsored Projects Services to review proposals, oversee budgets, and represent pre-award activities. You will mentor colleagues, ensure compliance, and disseminate best practices across research administration.

The role focuses on collaboration with sponsors and internal teams to maintain accurate, updated financial data. The position emphasizes strong communication, detail orientation, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in public or business administration or similar role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work with high accuracy.
• Ability to work in a diverse, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of proposals to identify budget issues and ensure sponsor guidelines compliance.
• Collaborate post-submission to address revised budgets and JIT requests.
• Serve as the official representative for pre-award activities with sponsors and external entities.
• Mentor and consult with research administration staff to promote best practices.
• Lead meetings, maintain sponsor systems, and manage budget templates with current data.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communicatie

Attention to detail

Ability to work in a diverse, deadline

Education

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Job description

Pre-Award Administrator, Sponsored Projects Services

Position Title Pre-Award Administrator, Sponsored Projects Services

SPS within the Research, Innovation, and Economic Development division at the State University of New York at Buffalo is searching for a Pre-Award Administrator. This role includes periodic and thorough review of proposals, budget oversight, and acting as the institutional representative for pre-award sponsored activities. The position will also involve disseminating best practices, mentoring, and consulting with research administration colleagues to ensure consistency and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough reviews of proposals to identify potential issues with the budget and other components, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• After proposal submission, collaborate with research administration colleagues to address sponsor-requested revised budgets, Just-In-Time ( JIT ) requests, and provide other materials as needed.
• Serve as the official representative of the institution for pre-award activities, communicating with sponsors and external entities as necessary.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, providing guidance and acting as a resource for other research administration staff.
• Promote best practices, provide expert guidance, and deliver training on sponsor requirements, compliance, and pre-award functions for staff and faculty.
• Lead functional meetings to ensure clear communication and collaboration among stakeholders and support consistent adherence to administration protocols outside of formal training through mentorship.
• Oversee registration and updates in sponsor systems as an authorized user, keep stakeholders informed on sponsor changes, compliance, and guidelines, and maintain budget templates and spreadsheets with up-to-date financial data, including fringe benefits and tuition rates.

Learn more:

• Our benefits , where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

The Research Foundation of SUNY is an EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with a disability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience in public or business administration or similar role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to work with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to work in a diverse, deadline-driven environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States by their start date. The University at Buffalo does not guarantee that it will sponsor, support, or otherwise assist with obtaining work authorization

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal government agencies and budget processes
• Grant writing and/or administration experience
• Experience in planning, leading, documenting, and managing projects

Driving Requirements

This position will never drive a university owned vehicle.

Salary Range

Salary Range $80,000 - $85,000

Additional Salary Information

The salary range reflects our good faith and reasonable estimate of the possible compensation at the time of posting, the role and associated responsibilities, and the experience, education, and training of the selected candidate.

Work Hours

37.5 hours per week

Campus

Campus North Campus

Is a background check required for this posting? No

Contact Information

Contact's Name

Stacey Brown

Contact's Pronouns

She/her/hers

Contact's Title

HR Specialist

Contact's Email

Contact's Phone

716-645-4492

Posting Dates

Posted 10/07/2026

Number of references required

3

UB is an AA/EOE and welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Arrangements will be made if an applicant has a disability in order to provide access to the application, interview and selection process upon request. Reasonable accommodation requests must be made in a timely manner by email at [e-mail] or by phone [phone].