Pre-Award Consultant

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Pre-Award Administrator to advise PIs on proposal requirements, budgets, and compliance. You will coordinate submission through university and sponsor systems, manage pre-award portfolios, and provide guidance on sponsor policies.

You will interpret sponsor and university requirements, obtain necessary documentation, and support faculty with funding opportunities, reporting timelines, and regulatory compliance to advance externally funded research.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.
• 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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

About the Department

The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Office of Research Administration ( CALS ORA ) is the service unit at NCSU , College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, responsible for the oversight of externally sponsored programs. CALS ORA 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 ORA is the administrative unit responsible for ensuring the college remains in compliance with federal and state policies pertaining to research. CALS ORA is accountable and responsible for all externally sponsored grants and contracts within the college. CALS ORA 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 ORA 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.

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.

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

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Key Responsibilities

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.
• 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.

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

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Position Classification Salary Range $ 36,381 - $ 91,526

Salary Grade Equivalency 70

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

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.

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

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.)

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.