Pre-Award Lead Specialist

Inside Higher Ed; Kennesaw (GA); On-site; USD 86,400 - 105,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision

Tuition waiver

Vacation and paid holidays

Job summary

A higher education institution in Kennesaw, Georgia, seeks a candidate for managing research administration, overseeing staff, and guiding faculty through proposal submissions. Responsibilities include developing detailed proposal checklists and providing compliance guidance throughout the process. Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a preference for advanced degrees and research administration certifications. Key skills include strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and time management abilities. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in a sponsored programs office aiding in proposal review and submission.
• Understanding of federal agency regulations and research administration roles.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre‑Award Research Administrator (CPRA) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned staff within the Pre-Award unit and ensure quality standards.
• Guide faculty through proposal development process and ensure compliance.
• Act as liaison with sponsors and internal stakeholders to promote collaborations.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Problem-solving

Time Management

Project Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Advanced degree from an accredited institution

Tools

Cayuse

FastLane

Research.gov

Assist

grants.gov

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the United States. With growing enrollment and global reach, KSU expands its institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high‑impact research, Division I athletics, and vibrant campus culture make us an employer of choice. KSU is part of the University System of Georgia and is committed to diversity, equity, innovation, and community partnership.

Job Details

Job ID: 292134
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia (primary campus: 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144; Marietta campus: 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060)
Employment Type: Full Time
Base Salary: Midpoint $96,000 (offers based on relevant experience)

Job Summary

Responsible for managing assigned staff and overseeing proposal review, grant award, and contract intake and review. Builds and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, partners with various KSU offices, analyzes and interprets policy and procedure related to research administration, and disseminates research administration‑related information to campus. Acts as liaison with sponsors and internal stakeholders to promote research collaborations.

Responsibilities

• Leads assigned staff within the Pre‑Award unit
• Advises on and contributes to applicable policies and procedures for proposal review and submission, award intake, and other pre‑award related areas
• Develops and provides detailed proposal checklists, templates, and timelines to manage workflows and guide faculty through the proposal development process
• Reviews federal, state, local, nonprofit, and industry grant and contract applications
• Provides guidance throughout the budget development process ensuring compliance and accuracy prior to proposal submission
• Obtains and/or provides institutional components of proposals and performs administrative validation on all proposal elements
• Prepares proposals for submission to sponsors using electronic submission portals (Cayuse, FastLane/Research.gov, Assist, grants.gov)
• Manages routing process in Cayuse or other electronic grants management system
• Facilitates Just‑In‑Time and other pre‑award actions requiring institutional authorized review
• Intakes awards and prepares internal documentation for hand‑off to other Sponsored Programs Administration units
• Provides high quality customer service to faculty and other staff throughout the proposal development and submission process
• Leads team and faculty training
• Aids in electronic system management and updating for both internal and sponsor systems
• Serves as primary intermediary with all pertinent sponsors, faculty, staff, and campus entities
• Ensures adherence to quality standards, all policies, and award regulations

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Experience: Five (5) years of experience in a sponsored programs office aiding in proposal review, submission, and management of externally sponsored activity and/or research development within a university setting, nonprofit institution, or academic medical center. Experience with Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200, federal agency regulations, and non‑federal sponsor guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications: Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre‑Award Research Administrator (CPRA)

Preferred Educational Qualifications: Advanced degree from an accredited institution

Preferred Experience: Experience with Cayuse or other electronic grants management systems; experience using FastLane/Research.gov, Assist, and grants.gov for proposal submission; experience using project management software to organize workflow.

Proposed Salary and Benefits

Midpoint of the salary range is $96,000. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and more. Visit KSU Benefits.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge: Understanding of relevant policies and procedures that govern major federal and non‑federal sponsors; understanding of research administration roles and responsibilities for internal and external resources.

Skills: Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem‑solving, independent judgment, organization, and communication (verbal and written). Time management, project management, and presentation skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and related computer applications. Strong attention to detail, follow‑up skills, and customer service skills (phone and e‑mail etiquette).

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia’s core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. All USG community members are expected to demonstrate and uphold these standards. See USG policy at USG Core Values. Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom are also supported by Board Policy 6.5. See Board Policy 6.5.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We prohibit harassment and discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact the Office of Institutional Equity at [e-mail].

Other Information

This is a supervisory position with no financial responsibilities and no travel required beyond 1%–24% of the time. The position does not require driving, a purchasing card, or a position of trust.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education verification

All final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Applicants for positions of trust with disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified. Additional job‑based screenings may be required (motor vehicle report, credit check, pre‑employment drug screening, academic credential verification). For detailed policy, see HRAP Background Investigation.

How to Apply

To apply, visit the Kennesaw State University careers portal: Apply Here.