Pre-Award Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States

Updated: 20 days ago
Location: Chapel Hill, NORTH CAROLINA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 28 May 2024

Posting Information
Posting Information


Department School of Data Sci and Society-397100
Career Area Research Professionals
Is this an internal only recruitment? No
Posting Open Date 05/13/2024
Application Deadline 05/28/2024
Position Type Permanent Staff (SHRA)
Position Title University Program Associate - Advanced
Salary Grade Equivalent GN09
Working Title Pre-Award Specialist
Position Number 20064215
Vacancy ID P019073
Full-time/Part-time Permanent/Time-Limited Full-Time Permanent
If time-limited, estimated duration of appointment
Hours per week 40
Work Schedule
Typically Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that may include a partially remote work location, consistent with System Office policy. UNC Chapel Hill employees are generally required to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
Work Location Chapel Hill, NC
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $57,061 - $64,499
Pay Band Information
To learn more about the pay band for this branch and role, please see the Career Banding rates spreadsheet .

Position Summary Information


Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package , paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
In 2022, UNC Chapel Hill launched the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS), a new school devoted to data science teaching, research, scholarship, service, and creativity. The SDSS vision is to be a leader in shaping the field of data science through an interdisciplinary and rigorous grounding in theory and methods with a human centric approach to the entire data life cycle.
The mission of SDSS is to empower a diverse community of faculty conducting research in the fundamentals and/or the applications of data science. The school is training undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to be the next generation of data science leaders with the knowledge and skills to thrive in this data-driven world. The SDSS will serve the state, the nation, and the world through premier data science educational programs and innovative research directed to advancing the public good with human-centric and ethical applications.
The core elements of the SDSS include porous borders – leveraging our low-walled collaborative Carolina culture to solve major societal problems. Interdisciplinary research clusters that cross disciplines and school boundaries are a vital element of the school. The SDSS is focused on students and education – the emphasis is not just on data science majors but on all students becoming data literate. The school’s culture has an open and transparent structure, governance, and business model.
Position Summary
The Pre-Award Specialist will submit a variety of research proposals including federal, foundation, state, and private industry for the School of Data Science and Society (SDSS). This position will report to the SDSS Grants Manager and will collaborate with the SDSS Grants Manager, the SDSS Office of Research Strategy (ORS), and the UNC Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). 
The Pre-Award Specialist will perform all functions for the timely submission of grants, contracts & subcontracts, as well as transfers of funds from other universities to UNC. They will prepare grant budgets, adhering to agency and university guidelines. This includes grants for individual Principal Investigators (PIs), multiple-investigators, and inter- and cross-disciplinary areas. These PIs could be faculty members from SDSS, other UNC units, other universities, people from private industry, etc. This position will administer pre-award agreements and prepare related reports to assess activity and proposal success rates. They will collaborate with the SDSS Grants Manager and SDSS’ Office of Research Strategy to support Principal Investigators (PIs), university administrative units, and sponsors. They have the authority to set deadlines to ensure proposals are submitted promptly through university and sponsor systems.
This role requires one to accurately recognize impacts of policies, procedures, and legal regulations related to proposals and make recommendations based on these factors combined with critical thinking to promote best practices for mutually beneficial outcomes and issue resolution. This position will assist the Grants Manager in the development, implementation, and management of the School of Data Science and Society Standard Operating Procedures for Research Administration including updates, revisions, implementations, and retention.
This position will be crossed-trained to perform post-award activities such as, but not limited to budget projections, project modifications, monitor burn rates, prepare financial reports for sponsor, etc.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written are required.
- Must possess strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to provide excellent customer service.
- Strong organization and time management skills and prioritization skills are required.
- Sufficient ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines is required.
- Demonstrates knowledge of software programs such as MS Word and Excel, etc.
- The ability to work with a high level of autonomy, accuracy, and efficiency is required.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience using Connect Carolina and RAMSeS is preferred. Previous experience doing pre-award grant processes in a higher education environment is preferred. At least 1 to 2 years of experience managing pre-award process is preferred.
- An understanding of Uniform Guidance, Cost Accounting Standards, as well as Federal, State and Industry research policies and procedures is preferred.
- Knowledge of internal, state, foundation, and federal proposal submission systems (examples include, but are not limited to, Grants.gov, Research.gov, etc.) is preferred.
- The ability to independently make decisions, assess project needs, exercise judgement, discretion, and initiative in development and interpretation of a wide range of administrative policies and procedures is preferred.
- Capability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently is preferred.
- The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with unit personnel, University and governmental officials, and funding agencies is preferred.
- The ability to interpret and analyze proposal/grant requirements and plan strategically for submission of proposals is preferred.
- Proficiency using MS Word and Excel is preferred.
Required Licenses/Certifications
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
N/A
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Position/Schedule Requirements Evening work occasionally
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/280392

Contact Information


Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to [email protected]
Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

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