Pre-Award Specialist

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

All About You

JOB SUMMARY:

The Pre-Award Grant Specialist under general direction, manages and coordinates pre-award sponsored awards activities for assigned unit(s) while having knowledge of grant management rules and regulations, technical expertise, and analytical skills. Level of the role is determined by level of experience. Additionally, this individual provides support for the development and submission of large and complex interdisciplinary federal and non-federal grant proposals.

Confirms all applications meet sponsor and university guidelines and deadlines, including management of the Just-In-Time process. Ensures proposals are entered in the appropriate university research administration system and monitors for institutional review and approval while obtaining appropriate signatures, as needed. Understands the impact of post-submission processes and components and ensures a smooth transition for proposal to award. Open to a remote employee in any of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.

JOB DUTIES:

Proposal Process

• Performs pre-award sponsored awards activities for assigned unit(s) within the GO Center. Pre-award activities include, but are not limited to assisting Principal Investigators (PIs) in developing, preparing, editing, and submitting federal and non-federal grant and contract proposals.

• Advises the PI and completes all administrative requirements when preparing proposals

• Understands PI concerns in relation to proposal development and is able to formulate solutions and answers to questions or issues raised by the PI

• Provides support to the PI and interdisciplinary team for the development and submission of large and complex federal and non-federal grant proposals

• Coordinates and reviews proposal elements for consistency, accuracy, and thoroughness in line with sponsor guidelines

• Assists in developing (and revising as necessary) proposal budgets and budget justifications in collaboration with Post-Award Specialists

• Ensures proposals are entered in the appropriate university research administration system and monitors for institutional review and approval while obtaining appropriate signatures, as needed.

Pre-Award Leadership

• Trains new Pre-Award Specialists and serves as a mentor and provides guidance to Pre-Award Specialists on issues of pre-award policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines

• Coordinates with the GO Center Director regarding pre-award activities, issue resolution, and workload distribution; Evaluates and participates in recommendations for pre-award GO Center process improvements

Pre-Award Outreach and Liaison

• Interacts and collaborates with GO Center staff, various internal administrative staff, and professional staff at the federal government, non-federal sponsors, corporate sponsors, and other institutions

• Acts as a resource to the GO Center on interpreting and administering federal regulations and guidelines, as well as interpreting complicated sponsor proposal guidelines

• Assists with a variety of research administration/grants managements systems internal and external to the university

• Performs related responsibilities as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of grant development, proposals, applications, and administration

• Strong knowledge of best practices in research administration and current regulations in the areas of research administration (OMB A-21, A-110, A-113, or the Uniform Guidance) or interpretation of similar regulations

• Strong project facilitation and management skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to generate high quality written communications and reports

• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborations with the diverse campus community and representatives from foundations and federal agencies

• Knowledge of concepts related to sponsor-specific policies, intellectual property policy, conflict of interest requirements, publication rights, application of indirect cost rates and other complex concepts in research administration

• Ability to manage detail and to organize and prioritize workload during high-pressure, high volume workload periods

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion and tact

• Ability to exercise absolute discretion regarding confidential matters

• Ability to work effectively and collegially with little supervision and as a member of a team

• Strong computer skills and ability to work with various internal and sponsor electronic systems

Level I MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's Degree required; experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic setting preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

Pay will be determined based on amount of relevant experience.

Level II MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required; supplemented with at least 2 years of experience working with sponsored research administration in an academic setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Pay will be determined based on amount of relevant experience.

Function

Research Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.