Pre Award Associate

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia (MN); Remote; USD 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA is seeking a Pre Award Associate in the Sponsored Programs division to advise and assist faculty in proposal preparation and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.

The role requires initiative, the ability to work independently, and strong problem-solving and customer service skills to collaborate with faculty, staff, students and sponsors under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Budgeting or financial experience in nonprofit programs.
• Experience with accounting, finance, or government/business regulations.
• Ability to work independently under deadlines and maintain composure under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Advise faculty in proposal preparation and ensure compliance with university and sponsor policies.
• Assist in preparing research proposals and budgets.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students and sponsors to meet deadlines and resolve issues.
• Provide excellent customer service and problem-solving support.

Skills

Budgeting

Accounting

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree (or lesser with experience)

Certified Research Administrator

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Job description

Job Description

The Sponsored Programs division in the Office of Research and Innovation has an opening for a Pre Award Associate. The Pre Award Associate (research administrator) advises and assists faculty in the preparation of proposals for funding and ensures compliance with university and sponsor policies, procedures, and requirements, and be comfortable working in situations where answers are not always clearly defined. The successful candidate will possess initiative and the ability to work independently but consult with appropriate parties as needed, and be able to problem-solve and maintain professional composure while working under pressure of internal and external deadlines; utilize problem-solving skills and excellent customer service skills to work collaboratively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, and sponsors. They must be energetic and able to function effectively and independently in a fast-moving environment subject to external pressure and frequent interruptions.

Required Qualifications

• Budgeting or financial experience and/or experience with non-profit program administration
• Demonstrated experience and/or college coursework with emphasis on accounting, finance, or government/business regulations and administration

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or lesser degree with significant relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
• Demonstrated experience with federal and nonfederal grants and/or contract regulations
• Familiarity with university administrative practices and procedures
• Proficiency with spreadsheet software
• Certified Research Administrator

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$55,000-$67,000, commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

October 19, 2026

Additional Information

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position. Position is fully remote with occasional travel to the Blacksburg, VA campus as business needs require. This position will require the completion of a Flexible Work Arrangement in accordance with Policy 4325, Alternative Work Site and Telework Policy.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Renee VanDykeat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.