Pre-Award Specialist - Faculty Shared Services

Inside Higher Ed; Storrs (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Outstanding benefits

Tuition waivers for employees and dependents

Job summary

A major public research university in Connecticut is seeking a Pre-Award Specialist to manage grants and contracts administration. The specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, providing technical assistance, and liaising between faculty and administration. This full-time role requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of experience in a related field, with preferred knowledge of electronic systems. A competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, including tuition waivers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field with four years of experience.
• Experience working with Uniform Guidance and FAR is preferred.
• Experience in sponsored-research-intensive environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to faculty and staff on project administration.
• Review proposals for compliance with regulations and guidelines.
• Liaise between investigators and academic units regarding projects.
• Assist in resolving budget and contract issues based on requirements.
• Maintain records according to compliance standards.
• Participate in policy discussions to improve efficiency.
• Develop and deliver training for sponsored programs.

Skills

Grants and contracts administration

Compliance with federal and state statutes

Technical assistance and guidance

Problem resolution for grant issues

Training development and delivery

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Electronic research administration systems

Job description

Pre-Award Specialist - Faculty Shared Services

Join to apply for the Pre-Award Specialist - Faculty Shared Services role at Inside Higher Ed

• Search # 499342
• Work type Full-time
• Location Storrs Campus
• Categories Grants and Contracts

Job Summary

The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is competitively recruiting talented grants and contracts/sponsored project professionals to join our research administration team. Sponsored Program Services (SPS) is responsible for administering a portfolio of $375M in annually awarded funding across all UConn campuses and UConn Health. We are a top‑ranked public research university and land grant institution, rurally situated in the “Quiet Corner” of Northeast Connecticut. The Pre‑Award Grants and Contracts Specialist will provide day‑to‑day management and oversight for a high volume of pre‑award administration. It is important to note that this role must be conducted on site on occasion in Storrs, CT.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance, guidance, and advice to faculty, administrators, and other professional staff for sponsored project administration.
• Reviews financial and administrative aspects of proposals or transactions to ensure compliance with federal and state statutes, University policy, and sponsor guidelines and requirements.
• Serves as a liaison between investigators, academic units, and other administrative offices.
• Following University policies, sponsor requirements, and state and federal requirements, identifies and assists with resolving grant and contract issues pertaining to budget, cost sharing, fiscal, administrative, and procedural constraints, and other similar matters.
• Maintains records in accordance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements. Provides records as requested and collaborates with SPS leadership in response to audits.
• Participates in policy and procedure discussions and recommend policy or procedural changes as appropriate to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Participates in the development and delivery of sponsored program training.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or knowledge of Uniform Guidance and/or the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience with electronic research administration systems (such as grants.gov, research.gov NSPIREs, and eRA Commons).
• Experience working in an institution of higher education.
• Experience working in a high volume, high production, and/or sponsored‑research‑intensive environment.

Appointment Terms

This is a full‑time, permanent position. Candidates must be able to work on site on occasion in Storrs, CT. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre‑employment criminal background check.

To Apply

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499342 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 9, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at https://portal.ct.gov/Ethics/Statutes-and-Regulations.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised: Dec 17 2025 Eastern Standard Time

Applications close: Jan 09 2026 Eastern Standard Time