Pre-Award Associate

Michigan Technological University; Houghton (MI); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Technological University is seeking a Pre-Award Associate to counsel faculty and staff on proposal and budget development for externally funded projects. This role emphasizes accuracy and compliance with sponsor and university guidelines.

You will collaborate across offices to review subrecipient paperwork, draft documents, and support training through workshops and tutorials. A remote, full-time position with competitive compensation awaits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relative field or equivalent education/experience.
• One year proposal development experience in a higher education or research center.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets/databases, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and oral/written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Counsel and assist faculty with proposal and budget development.
• Review proposals for conformance with sponsor and university guidelines.
• Coordinate review, processing, and submission of subrecipient paperwork.
• Make final recommendations for proposal submission to university representatives.
• Provide guidance related to proposals.
• Draft, compose and edit legal correspondence related to proposals, contracts, and agreements.
• Contribute to development and improvement of pre-award policies and procedures.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, and tutorials on sponsored program administration.
• Engage in special projects to advance department goals.
• Commit to continuous improvement and safety practices.
• Apply safety-related knowledge to everyday work.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relative field

Tools

Word

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Apply now Job No: 26184
Department: Sponsored Programs Office
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Remote
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Administrative/Business/Professional
Applications Close:

Ensured Consideration Date:05-Nov-2026

Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.

The area’s waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.

Summary

The Pre-Award Associate counsels, advises, and assists faculty and staff with proposal and budget development for externally funded projects.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Counsel, advise and assist faculty and staff with proposal and budget development, which includes reviewing proposals for conformance with sponsor and University guidelines.
• Review and interpret applicable federal, state, agency, and University policies and guidelines for proposal submissions.
• Coordinate the review, processing, and submission of subrecipient paperwork.
• Make final recommendation to University-authorized representatives for proposal submission, indicating conformance with federal, state, agency and University policies and guidelines.
• Provide pro‑active and problem‑solving guidance and support to faculty and staff related to proposals.
• Draft, compose and edit legal correspondence related to proposals, contracts, and agreements.
• Contribute and/or lead in the identification, establishment, review and improvement of pre‑award policies and procedures for sponsored programs.
• Participate in the creation and presentation of workshops, seminars, and on‑demand tutorials to educate others in sponsored program administration.
• Participate in special projects and other assigned duties to further the department’s goals and objectives.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Bachelor’s degree in a relative field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

Required Experience

• 1 (one) year proposal development experience in a higher education or research center environment.
• Experience using personal computers and basic software packages including advanced features of word processing, spreadsheet/database, and Adobe Acrobat software.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Additional relative experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience developing and preparing bid/proposal budgets in a fast paced environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and oral/written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within established and changing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy, precision, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high volume and deadline‑oriented work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take the initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of contract language and/or knowledge of business law.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems.
• Familiarity with federal guidelines related to grant and contract administration.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Additional training may be required by the department on a periodic basis.

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

The salary range for this position is $52,000 - $55,000. However, thefinal salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Senior Pre-Award Analyst

Posting Type

Internal and External Posting

Dependent on Funding

True

Additional Information

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or [e-mail].

Other Conditions of Employment: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.

In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Advertised: 22 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:

Michigan Technological University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex and gender. Michigan Tech also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX , and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator . For a complete copy of the policy or more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).