Pre-Award Research Administrator

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); Remote; USD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks candidates for Pre-Award and Senior Pre-Award roles to support proposal review, preparation, and submission as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). The PRA and SPRA collaborate with faculty, departments, and sponsors to ensure regulatory compliance and accuracy, managing complex portfolios with attention to detail.

Both positions emphasize guidance, training, and problem resolution, with Senior roles handling higher volume and complexity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with relevant experience in research administration.
• Experience interpreting sponsor guidelines and preparing compliant proposals.
• Ability to manage timelines, collaborate with faculty, and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Review sponsor guidelines and prepare complete, compliant proposal packages by deadlines.
• Analyze budgets for compliance with regulations and review cost justifications.
• Advise on proposal requirements, cost allowability, and pre-award best practices.
• Address compliance requirements (IRB, IACUC, COI) and secure approvals.
• Identify non-standard terms and route for appropriate review; obtain needed approvals.
• Maintain accurate proposal records and coordinate revisions, negotiations, and certifications.
• Serve as Authorized Organizational Representative for signing and submitting proposals.
• Participate in professional development and special initiatives in the Office of Sponsored Programs.

Skills

Proposal development

Budget analysis

Regulatory compliance

AOR responsibilities

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

High School Diploma + 5 years experience

Tools

eRA systems

Compliance tracking tools

Job description

Fully remote

Fort Collins, CO

Full time

R2026107970

Job Description

Candidates may be considered for either the Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator or the Pre-Award Research Administrator based on their education, experience, and demonstrated ability to perform work of varying complexity, independence, and responsibility.

Pre-Award Research Administrator Job Summary:

The Pre-Award Research Administrator (PRA) supports the University’s research mission by facilitating the review, preparation, and submission of sponsored project proposals as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). This position ensures proposals comply with sponsor requirements, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies while safeguarding the University’s legal and financial interests. Working with a defined portfolio, the PRA collaborates with faculty, department research administrators, and sponsors to provide guidance throughout the proposal submission process. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.

Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator Job Summary:

The Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator (SPRA) advances the University’s research mission by independently managing the review, preparation, and submission of complex sponsored project proposals as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR). Building on foundational pre-award experience, this role ensures compliance with sponsor requirements and regulatory standards while safeguarding the University’s legal and financial interests. The SPRA serves as a key resource to faculty, department research administrators, and campus partners, providing expert guidance, training, and problem resolution across a larger and more complex portfolio. This position also contributes to special projects and initiatives and may serve as a point of contact for research administration guidance.

For full consideration, please apply by Friday, November 13, 2026.

Department Website: https://www.research.colostate.edu/osp/

Essential Job Duties:

• Review and interpret sponsor guidelines; prepare and submit complete, compliant proposal packages in sponsor systems by established deadlines.

• Analyze proposals and budgets for compliance with federal, state, and non-federal regulations, including institutional policies; review budget justifications for accuracy and alignment.

• Advise faculty and staff on proposal requirements, cost allowability, budget modifications, and pre-award best practices.

• Address compliance requirements (e.g., IRB, IACUC, COI), ensure institutional commitments are documented and approved, and resolve administrative or financial issues prior to submission.

• Identify non-standard terms and conditions and route for appropriate review; determine when additional approvals are required.

• Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of proposal records in the electronic research administration system; coordinate revisions, negotiations, and required representations and certifications.

• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative by signing and submitting proposals and related documents on behalf of the University.

• Participate in special initiatives, professional development opportunities, and hiring committees to support the growth and development of the Office of Sponsored Programs.

• The Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator position performs all the above responsibilities of the Pre-Award Research Administrator, but with increased independence while managing a higher volume and complexity of proposals and unit assignments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 1 year of experience in research administration. In lieu of a degree, a High School Diploma (or GED) plus 5 years of experience in research administration will be accepted.

Senior Pre-Award Manager:

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience in research administration. In lieu of a degree, a High School Diploma (or GED) plus 7 years of experience in research administration will be accepted.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing proposal development training to faculty or staff.

• Experience serving as a point of contact for research administration guidance.

• Familiarity with federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200), sponsor systems, and compliance requirements.

• Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., NCURA, SRA) or relevant professional development activities.

• Experience guiding vendor versus subrecipient determinations and other complex pre-award matters.

Salary Range

This posting will only hire 1 person, but they will sit in one of two possible positions. See posting for details.

Senior Pre-Award Research Administrator: $67,000 – $80,000

Pre-Award Research Administrator: $63,000-$70,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here. (http://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. (http://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/)

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Inspired by its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world.

Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU’s perks and purpose. (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/)

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