Pre-Award Consultant

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 61,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks a Pre-Award Consultant to guide faculty through the development, review, and submission of sponsored proposals within CALS CORE Support. You will independently manage the pre-award portfolio for assigned departments, ensuring compliance with sponsor and university requirements and coordinating with PIs, business liaisons, and campus offices.

The role emphasizes interpreting sponsor guidelines, managing deadlines, and providing strategic support to maximize

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1 year of related experience or equivalent
• Experience supporting grant/sponsored research activities in a large public institution
• Ability to interpret sponsor requirements and plan proposal development

Responsibilities

• Advise PIs on proposal requirements and assist with budgets and justifications
• Coordinate proposal prep, review, and submission across systems and departments
• Independently contact sponsors for clarifications and additional materials after submission

Skills

Grant administration

Proposal development

Budgeting & justifications

Interpreting sponsor rules

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Uniform Guidance

Job description

Job Posting Information

• Posting Number: PG195301SP
• Internal Recruitment: No
• Working Title: Pre-Award Consultant
• Anticipated Hiring Range: Commensurate with Experience ($61,000 - $63,000)
• Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
• Job Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
• Department: CALS CORE Support

About the Department

The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences College Operations, Research and Extension (CORE) Support is the service unit at NCSU, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, responsible for the oversight of externally sponsored programs. CALS CORE provides complete cradle-to-grave sponsored program administration and support, including: a) identifying funding sources, b) assisting faculty with proposal development, c) monitoring/overseeing the responsible management of sponsored projects, and d) ensuring university compliance with contract/grant fiscal and regulatory requirements.

CALS College Operations, Research and Extension (CORE) Support is the administrative unit responsible for ensuring the college remains in compliance with federal and state policies pertaining to research. CALS CORE is accountable and responsible for all externally sponsored grants and contracts within the college. CALS CORE accepts funds provided to the college and is accountable for its legal compliance with sponsor (federal, state, local, and private sources) regulations and policies. CALS CORE is the contact point for federal and state audits, both fiscal and programmatic, on contracts and grants awarded in/to the college. This service office is designed to serve all faculty and staff needs for externally funded projects and programs and is the service unit at NCSU, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, responsible for the oversight of externally sponsored programs. CALS CORE provides complete cradle-to-grave sponsored program administration and support, including: a) identifying funding sources, b) assisting faculty with proposal development, c) monitoring/overseeing the responsible management of sponsored projects, and d) ensuring university compliance with contract/grant fiscal and regulatory requirements.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Essential Job Duties

As the Pre-Award Consultant, you will support the research mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) by guiding faculty through the development, review, and submission of sponsored research proposals. Within the CALS Office of Grants & Contracts, housed within College Operations, Research and Extension (CORE) Support, you will independently manage the pre-award portfolio for assigned departments, interpreting sponsor and university requirements, coordinating proposal activities, and helping faculty navigate the complexities of the proposal submission process. Your work will help ensure proposals are accurate, complete, compliant, and submitted by established deadlines while supporting the college's research goals and funding opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise Principal Investigators (PIs) on proposal requirements, interpret funding announcements, and assist with the development of proposal budgets and justifications.
• Coordinate proposal preparation, review, and submission through university and sponsor systems, establishing deadlines and managing submission activities for assigned faculty and departments.
• Independently contact sponsors to clarify proposal requirements and provide additional materials after submission but before award, such as revised budgets and required institutional approvals.

Proposal Development & Submission

• Advise Principal Investigators (PIs) on proposal requirements, interpret funding announcements, and assist with the development of proposal budgets and justifications.
• Coordinate proposal preparation, review, and submission through university and sponsor systems, establishing deadlines and managing submission activities for assigned faculty and departments.
• Independently contact sponsors to clarify proposal requirements and provide additional materials after submission but before award, such as revised budgets and required institutional approvals.

Pre-Award Portfolio & Stakeholder Coordination

• Independently manage the sponsored program pre-award portfolio for assigned departments, coordinating with PIs, CALS Business Liaisons, Department Business Coordinators, university administrative units, sponsors, and college leadership.
• Provide guidance on sponsor and university policies, procedures, and submission requirements, helping faculty and departmental partners navigate proposal-related questions and resolve issues.

Regulatory & Administrative Compliance

• Interpret sponsor and university requirements related to proposal submissions, including applicable regulatory and institutional approvals, and coordinate with the appropriate offices to obtain required documentation.
• Assist faculty and departmental partners in obtaining updated information related to funding opportunities, reporting timelines, fiscal matters, and regulatory compliance.

Reporting & Proposal Activity Analysis

• Generate and analyze reports for the Pre-Award Manager, CALS ORA Director, deans, department heads, and PIs to monitor proposal activity, funding volume, and proposal success rates.
• Provide information and updates that support proposal planning, submission timelines, and assessment of the college's sponsored research activity.

If you enjoy working independently, advising faculty, and navigating the complexities of sponsored research proposals, this is an opportunity to contribute directly to the research mission of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. We welcome you to apply and bring your expertise in pre-award administration to support faculty and advance research opportunities across the college.

This position is open for current NC State Employees only, permanent or temporary.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent assigned departments and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at university meetings.
• Participate in professional organizations to expand resources, strengthen professional connections, and enhance the visibility and reputation of the University.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education: Bachelor's degree and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• Experience supporting grant or sponsored research activities within a large public institution.
• Ability to interpret and analyze sponsor requirements and strategically plan proposal development and submission.
• Working knowledge of Uniform Guidance and its application to sponsored programs.
• Experience managing multiple projects or assignments simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting established deadlines.

Required License or Certification: N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required: No

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

• Job Open Date: 11/03/2026
• Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.): 11/10/2026
• Notice to Applicants: Please note that the work history on your resume, must also be included in your application.
• This position is open for current NC State Employees only, permanent or temporary.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

• Position Number: 00043565
• Position Type: SHRA
• Position Classification Band Title: University Program Specialist
• Position Classification Band Level: Journey
• Position Classification Salary Range: $ 36,381 - $ 91,526
• Salary Grade Equivalency: 70
• Alternate Option: If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.00
• Appointment: 12 Month Recurring
• Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
• Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
• Time Limited Position: No
• Department Id: 110305 - CALS CORE Support

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.