Pre-Award Associate

Department: Sponsored Programs

Summary

Michigan Technological University seeks a Pre-Award Associate to provide guidance and support to faculty and staff in the preparation and submission of research proposals. This position ensures proposals and budgets comply with sponsor, federal, state, and University requirements. Responsibilities include reviewing and interpreting policies, coordinating subrecipient paperwork, and making recommendations for approval of proposals.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Counsel, advise and assist faculty and staff with proposal and budget development, which includes reviewing proposals for conformance with sponsor and University guidelines.
2. Review and interpret applicable federal, state, agency, and University policies and guidelines for proposal submissions.
3. Coordinate the review, processing, and submission of subrecipient paperwork.
4. Make final recommendation to University-authorized representatives for proposal submission, indicating conformance with federal, state, agency and University policies and guidelines.
5. Provide pro-active and problem-solving guidance and support to faculty and staff related to proposals.
6. Draft, compose and edit legal correspondence related to proposals, contracts, and agreements.
7. Contribute and/or lead in the identification, establishment, review and improvement of pre-award policies and procedures for sponsored programs.
8. Participate in the creation and presentation of workshops, seminars, and on-demand tutorials to educate others in sponsored program administration.
9. Participate in special projects and other assigned duties to further the department’s goals and objectives.
10. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
11. Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
12. Supervisory Responsibilities: Functional supervision may be exercised over staff and/or students.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in a relative field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

Required Experience

Experience using personal computers and basic software packages including advanced features of word processing, spreadsheet/database, and Adobe Acrobat software.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Relative experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience developing and preparing bid/proposal budgets.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal, customer service and oral/written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully complete multiple tasks within established and changing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy, precision, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high volume and deadline-oriented work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take the initiative to solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to contribute to a safe work environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated understanding of contract language and/or knowledge of business law.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems.
• Familiarity with federal guidelines related to grant and contract administration.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
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