Research Administration Coordinator - Grants Hub

Iowa State University; Iowa; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University – Grants Hub is seeking a Research Administration Coordinator to manage software platforms for pre-award processes, internal and external funding searches, and limited submission operations. You will lead tool development and train researchers on funding opportunities and collaboration strategies.

The role involves coordinating review processes for internal calls and supporting NSF I-RAISE logistics, with a hybrid on-site/remote-friendly setup in Ames, Iowa.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience with research administration or research development is preferred in an academic environment.
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting RFPs across disciplines.
• Experience with project management platforms like Smartsheet or Airtable.
• Experience with major funding search databases and research intelligence tools.

Responsibilities

• Administer software platforms and processes for ticketing, file management, limited submission and internal funding competitions, external funding searches, and pre-award project management.
• Develop and deploy new tools (or oversee their development by student interns) that leverage automations and AI to streamline research administration tasks.
• Teach researchers and research support staff how best to use software tools to find funding opportunities and collaborators.
• Search for and evaluate limited submission funding opportunities and other external funding opportunities and data to support OVPR strategic priorities.
• Post and publicize internal calls for proposals and coordinate internal review and selection processes for limited submission and internal funding competitions.
• Facilitate logistics for NSF I-RAISE to publicize the program, coordinate application review, match student interns to mentors, ensure a positive on-campus experience for visiting students, and provide basic post-award administrative support.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Tech savvy

Oral communication

Written communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Smartsheet

Airtable

Pivot-RP

grants.gov

Academic Analytics

Job description

Position Title: Research Administration Coordinator - Grants Hub

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Job Description: Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Administer software platforms and processes for ticketing, file management, limited submission and internal funding competitions, external funding searches, and pre-award project management.
• Develop and deploy new tools (or oversee their development by student interns) that leverage automations and AI to effectively and ethically streamline research administration tasks.
• Teach researchers and research support staff how best to use software tools to find funding opportunities and collaborators.
• Search for and evaluate limited submission funding opportunities, as well as other external funding opportunities and data to support OVPR strategic priorities.
• Post and publicize internal calls for proposals and coordinate the internal review and selection processes for limited submission and internal funding competitions.
• Facilitate logistics for NSF I-RAISE to publicize the program, coordinate application review, match student interns to mentors, ensure a positive on-campus experience for visiting students, and provide basic post-award administrative support.

The successful candidate will have exceptional organizational and time management skills; a high comfort level with technology; strong oral and written communications skills; a proactive and collaborative approach to customer service and innovation; a high attention to detail; and the ability to adjust to shifting deadlines and priorities.

The successful candidate must reside in the state of Iowa on or before their start date.

This position offers the flexibility to work on-site in Ames or in a hybrid work arrangement as well.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with research administration or research development, preferably in an academic environment
• Experience reading and interpreting requests for proposals (RFPs) in various disciplines
• Demonstrated experience working with a project management platform such as Smartsheet or Airtable
• Demonstrated experience working with major funding search databases and research intelligence tools (e.g., Pivot-RP, grants.gov, Academic Analytics)
• Experience developing, validating, and deploying tools such as automated workflows and AI agents to improve complex administrative processes

About Grants Hub at Iowa State University:

The Grants Hub is Iowa State’s central research development unit, located within the Office of the Vice President for Research. We are proactive and future-focused, providing strategic pre-award support and consultation to help researchers successfully compete for funding and build high-impact research teams. Our broad range of services are available to new and experienced investigators from all colleges, departments, and disciplines.

To learn more, please visit Grants Hub.

Why Choose Iowa State University?

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program
• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

Appointment Type and Compensation:

• Appointment Type: Regular
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12
• Month Work Period Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS807
• Original Posting Date: November 5, 2026
• Posting Close Date: November 15, 2026
• Job Requisition Number: R20181

EEO and Diversity Statement:

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].