Pre-Award Services Manager - #002152

Western Carolina University Inc; Cullowhee (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Carolina University seeks a Pre-Award Services Manager to oversee the university's pre-award and research development functions, from proposal through award transition, with primary on-site responsibility in Cullowhee, NC.

You will lead staff, coordinate with faculty and sponsors, ensure compliance with Uniform Guidance, and strengthen external funding opportunities while promoting timely, competitive proposals.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze, manage priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional sponsored programs.
• Understanding of budgeting and compliance for sponsored programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for pre-award services and research development.
• Coordinate proposal development, compliance, and submission processes.
• Collaborate across offices to enhance external funding opportunities.

Skills

Communication

Project management

Grants & contracts

Financial compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pre-Award Services Manager - #002152

Western Carolina University

Department: Sponsored Research

About WCU

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.

Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from both the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The Pre-Award Services Manager provides leadership and oversight for the University's pre-award and research development functions, supporting faculty and staff throughout the proposal development and submission process.

The position strategically manages pre-award services, resources, systems, and research development initiatives to promote compliant, timely, and competitive proposals and increase external funding. Working collaboratively across the Office of Research Administration and the University, the position strengthens institutional research capacity, supports collaborative funding opportunities, and helps ensure a seamless sponsored project lifecycle from proposal development through award transition.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with faculty, staff, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Project Management & Organization: Proven ability to analyze and perform complex activities, manage competing priorities, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Grants & Contracts Administration: Knowledge of federal, state, and institutional sponsored programs requirements, including Uniform Guidance.
• Financial & Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of sponsored programs budgeting, accounting principles, and compliance requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of experience in project management or a related field.
• Experience in research administration within a higher education or nonprofit environment.
• Leadership experience, including staff supervision and performance management.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) certification.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call [phone] or email at [e-mail].

For questions and additional information, please contact Kloo Hansen at [e-mail].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.