Temporary Proposal Research Project Manager - College of Engineering

Colorado State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Colorado State University is seeking 1–2 temporary Proposal Research Project Managers to support pre-award operations. The role involves coordinating complex budgets, preparing proposal materials, and liaising with multiple CSU colleges and external sponsors.

Flexibility in appointment type (part-time to full-time) and work arrangement (remote/hybrid) is expected based on experience and needs. The RPM reports to the Director of Pre-award Support in the Walter Scott, Jr.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Two years of related professional experience.
• Experience presenting and communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Researches and coordinates preparation of scientific proposals for federal, state, international sponsors.
• Prepares budgets and budget justifications ensuring compliance.
• Coordinates project cost share requirements across CSU colleges and collaborating institutions.
• Works with Office of Sponsored Programs to meet submission requirements.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Budget coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

High school diploma with 8+ years experience OR CRA certification

CRA/CPRA/CFRA certification

Tools

MS Office Excel

Oracle/Access databases

KFS & KR/PD systems

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking 1-2 temporary employees to support our research business operations. These positions offer considerable flexibility, with appointments ranging from part-time to full-time based on candidate availability, qualifications, and departmental needs. Remote and hybrid work arrangements may be available, with the level of flexibility determined by the successful candidate's experience, demonstrated competencies, and ability to perform the essential functions of the position. The Proposal Research Project Manager (RPM) plays a leading role in the preparation and submission of scientific proposals to external sponsors, including federal, state, and local government agencies, industry, and foundations. The RPM also provides day-to-day budget management of a complex portfolio of scientific research projects working closely with college faculty and senior research scientist to coordinate multiple research projects. This position does not participate in the scientific research of any project. A successful RPM will be capable of coordinating complex expenditure planning for multiple research projects, forecasting, and recommending appropriate solutions for staff funding shortfalls, and purchasing or travel complications. This individual does not typically execute financial transactions, but reviews and approves/declines project related expenditures in consultation as needed with the projects’ principal investigator (PI). The successful candidate will possess organizational skills, attention to detail, strong writing ability, and the ability to learn quickly; excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to work with individuals and teams of faculty, research scientists, university administrators, and program managers and scientific collaborators in the U.S and abroad. The individual must also possess a strong work ethic and commitment to a quality work product and environment and be both proactive and a self-starter and have the ability to prioritize and deal with frequent interruptions in a fast-paced research environment. The Proposal Research Project Manager reports to the Director of Pre-award Support in the Walter Scott, Jr, College of Engineering at the Colorado State University.

Work Unit

The College of Engineering Research Business Office (RBO) provides coordination and direct support for the management of federal, state, and commercial grants and contracts for research groups within the college. The RBO supports management decisions at all college levels with accurate and timely data accounting for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Full Consideration date: September 27, 2026

Essential Job Duties

• Researches and coordinates preparation of scientific research proposals to federal sponsors including, but not limited to, the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Park Service.
• Prepares proposals for state, local, international government funding, industry, foundation, non-profit, and other potential sponsors.
• Investigates availability of funding programs, and research submission, compliance, and project cost share requirements.
• Prepares proposal budgets and draft budget justifications, ensuring compliance to application requirements including allowability and allocability of anticipated costs.
• Coordinates and recommends solutions for project cost share requirements.
• Coordinates budget and application requirements across multiple CSU colleges and/or other institutions for collaborative projects.
• Coordinates directly with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to meet submission requirements.

Conditions of Employment

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check Must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date. The department will not sponsor a visa for this position. Supervision: None

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree – A high school diploma with either 8 years of work experience or a CRA certification will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Two years of related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated time management skills essential to meeting critical deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of office productivity software including MS Office (specifically Excel), data retrieval (e.g., Oracle, Access, or other database management software), report preparation (e.g., Excel pivot tables or comparable experience), and Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with Federal Cost Accounting Standards and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Experience working in a higher education setting.
• Experience forecasting and managing project staffing and budgets.
• Familiarity with the administrative activities associated with the scientific research process.
• Experience with Kuali Financial System Information (KFS) and Kuali Research Proposal Development (KR/PD) systems.
• Experience with the preparation of scientific research proposals including budget development.
• Certification in Research Administration such as CRA, CPRA, and/or CFRA.
• Past Experience building strong work relationships with customers based on subject-matter knowledge and the ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of customers/colleagues.

Salary Range $35.00 - $38.00 per hour

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. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

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.