Research Administrator

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 62,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State University is seeking a Research Administrator in Raleigh, NC. The role provides financial and administrative support across the full award lifecycle, from proposal development to closeout, partnering with faculty to ensure compliance with sponsor and university requirements.

Responsibilities include preparing proposals, managing budgets, forecasting expenses, overseeing awards, and generating required reports to keep projects on track.

Qualifications

• Post-baccalaureate credentials with 1–2 years experience; bachelor’s with 2–4 years may substitute.
• Experience in contracts and grants administration.
• Proficiency in Excel, Office, Google Workspace, and web financial systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty.
• Manage financial activity, budgets, and projections for sponsored projects.
• Provide financial oversight and compliance with policies.
• Coordinate award modifications, rebudgeting, and closeout actions.
• Provide grant reporting and sponsor communications.

Skills

Post-baccalaureate credentials

1–2 years experience

Budgeting

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

PeopleSoft Financials

PINS

RED

Grants.gov

NSF FastLane

Job description

PG194807EP

No

Research Administrator

$62,000 - $70,000

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Raleigh NC

College of Natural Resources

About the Department

The College of Natural Resources is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands‑on experience they need to thrive out in the world. We encourage our award‑winning faculty to work across disciplines and find innovative solutions to global challenges. And we partner with industry and government to put our research to work in communities everywhere.

For almost a century, the college has served vital industries in North Carolina — including the state’s largest manufacturing sector, forest and wood products; its largest service sector, tourism; and more than half a million forest landowners. Together, these industries sustain more than half a million jobs and generate $50 billion in annual economic impact. But our research goes even farther afield: We’re recognized globally as experts in sustainability, the management of land and water, and solutions at the intersection of built and natural environments. In keeping with NC State’s land‑grant mission, we’re dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research and Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre and post award activities. The research administrators in the CNR Research office participate in grants management throughout the life cycle of the award, from proposal development and submission, award management, and closeout.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

As part of the College’s research administration team, The Research Administrator plays an important role in supporting faculty and ensuring the effective management of sponsored projects. The position provides financial and administrative support throughout the full award lifecycle, from proposal development and submission through award management, reporting, and closeout. By partnering with faculty and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure sponsored projects are managed effectively and in compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements.

Proposal Development and Submission

• Prepare, compile, and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty through NC State University systems, including RED, and sponsor electronic submission portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and EERE Exchange.
• Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop proposal budgets, budget justifications, and other required documents in accordance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Create and maintain RED records for faculty and coordinate with campus offices to facilitate timely and accurate proposal submissions.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty within the assigned portfolio regarding NC State business processes and requirements for proposal development and submission.
• Review proposal documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable university and sponsor guidelines.
• Serve as a resource to faculty throughout the proposal process, identifying potential issues and coordinating resolutions with appropriate university offices.

Award Management

• Manage an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects by monitoring financial activity, expenditures, budgets, and projections and providing Principal Investigators (PIs) with timely information to support effective project and financial decision‑making.
• Provide financial guidance and oversight by applying accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and university policies to budgeting, forecasting, personnel expenses, cost allocations, and other fiscal activities.
• Partner with PIs throughout the award lifecycle by conducting regular financial reviews, discussing project spending and future plans, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate award modifications and approvals by preparing and managing project modification requests, including rebudgeting, no‑cost extensions, changes in PI, equipment purchases, travel, pre‑award costs, and other actions requiring university or sponsor approval.
• Manage subcontracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, including setup, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and closeout, while coordinating with PIs, university offices, and sponsoring agencies as needed.
• Ensure financial and regulatory compliance by monitoring sponsored project activity, reviewing personnel and financial expenditures, supporting effort certification, and addressing issues in accordance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements.
• Coordinate sponsored project closeout by resolving outstanding financial and administrative matters, completing final reconciliations, obtaining required approvals, maintaining project records, and coordinating timely submission of final reports and documentation.

Grant Reporting

• Provide financial reports, budget analysis, and consultation to PIs to support effective fiscal management of sponsored projects.
• Assist PIs and project teams with sponsor‑required financial and progress reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and submitted by established deadlines.
• Monitor and manage cost‑share commitments and reporting, including maintaining appropriate supporting documentation and ensuring expenditures are accurately tracked and reported.
• Reconcile project financial activity and provide supporting documentation for sponsor and university reporting requirements.
• Respond to questions from faculty and project stakeholders regarding project financial status, reporting requirements, and allowable expenditures.
• Maintain accurate and complete financial records and documentation to support reporting, audits, and compliance requirements.

If you are a detail‑oriented professional who enjoys working with faculty, managing complex projects, and using financial expertise to support research, we’d love to hear from you.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Education and Experience

Minimum Experience/Education – Require post‑baccalaureate credentials plus 1‑2 years experience; a bachelor’s degree and 2‑4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis

Other Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in contracts and grants administration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web‑based financial management systems.
• Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning and financial management.
• Experience researching and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements to assess and resolve complex issues using professional judgment.
• Organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• One or more years of university experience in Contracts and Grants administration.
• Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PINS, RED, Grants.gov, and NSF FastLane.
• Experience with university research administration, including pre‑award, post‑award, and sponsored project closeout processes.
• Knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, federal financial requirements, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements.
• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification or active pursuit of the certification.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

No

Commercial Driver's License required

No

Job Open Date

08/19/2026

Anticipated Close Date

09/02/2026; If posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.

Position Number

00110271

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Department ID

150101 - College of Natural Resources

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.