Proposal Assistant
Penn State UniversityAbout the role
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Proposal Assistant to join the Pricing and Proposal Office in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Proposal Assistant supports the submission of research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies; works closely with the proposal and award team; ensures that all administrative components of grant proposals are accurate, complete, and submitted on time; and provides support for post award management and tracking.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Assist in the preparation and formatting of proposal documents including budgets, biosketches, current and pending support, and other required forms
Gather necessary documentation for proposal submissions
Review and compile complete proposal packages, ensuring adherence to sponsor guidelines and University policies
Maintain proposal files, including tracking submission timelines, approvals, and post-submission documentation
Assist in the receiving, logging, tracking, scanning, and distribution of awards
Enter and manage proposal data in electronic research administration systems
Assist with monitoring funds for line-item balances and overall balances
Provide support in the creation of budget documents for award modifications, revisions, and other budget adjustments
Serve as a liaison between investigators and research support offices, providing updates and clarifying submission requirements
Explain procedures, forms and formats, definitions, and other requirements for the preparation and submission of budgets
Assist in developing tools, templates, and guidance materials for proposal preparation
Required skills/experience areas include:
Experience or exposure to cost estimating, budgeting, and financial analysis
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
Past success managing multiple projects, initiatives, and tasks with strict deadlines
Demonstrated ability to work t
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