Responsibilities include working closely with the Preaward Lead in the oversight and performance of pre-award functions including the preparation, review, and submission of sponsored research proposals to federal, state, and private sponsors. The activities involved include assisting in the coordination and development of proposals; reviewing proposals to ensure sponsor and institutional compliance; submitting proposals to federal, state, and private sponsors via prescribed submission portals, sites, or electronic or physical mailings; mentoring and developing Research Administrators and/or department/campus staff in preaward requirements or needs. May also serve or assist with the operation or development of PeopleSoft Grants Management system enhancements, questions and data integrity as well as query creation and running.

Specific Activities:
• Prepare budgets and budget justifications for submission with sponsored research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies.
• Assist in the preparation of required agency forms, required documentation, and the completion of online agency forms for proposal submissions.
• Ensure that all agency requirements for proposal submission have been met prior to any applicable deadlines.
• Shares responsibility for the electronic submission of proposals to federal, state, and/or private sponsors in the absence or unavailability of the AVP for Research & Tech Transfer, Pre-Award Lead, and/or other authorized signing officials.
• Help faculty to locate funding opportunities by assisting in the setup of searches, registration in subscription databases, or assisting the SRS in their assistance to the faculty as requested.
• Assist with the day-to-day management and oversight of pre-award functions and services; including but not limited to proposal review and submission into PeopleSoft system, maintain/update PeopleSoft with unfunded proposals (V102), maintain/run faculty current and pending reports.
• Remain current on research administration policies and procedures
• Provide input to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of Preaward processes
• Perform other duties as assigned

95% Pre-Award Research Administration Advisor
• Prepare budgets and budget justifications for submission with sponsored research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies to include the calculation of university personnel, applicable fringe benefits and other direct and indirect costs. The budget information must then be presented to the respective funding agency in their required format and following their guidelines.
• Prepare required agency forms, required documentation, and online agency forms for proposal submissions.
• Support electronic submission of proposals to federal, state, and/or private sponsors in the absence or unavailability of the AVP for Research & Tech Transfer, Preaward Lead, (or other authorized signing officials).
• Help faculty to locate funding opportunities by assisting in the setup of searches, registration in subscription databases, or assisting the SRS in their assistance to the faculty as requested.
• Ensure that all agency requirements for proposal submission have been met prior to any applicable deadlines. This can include proofreading of proposal documents from the faculty Investigators as well as reviewing the documents prepared by SRS staff for accuracy and consistency with agency guidelines.
• Take initiative to understand the research data and be responsible for consistently inputting and sustaining the quality of the data that is entered and managed by SRS, including data that flows in and out of the department.
• Help to ensure the proper entry of preaward data into the Peoplesoft system for the tracking of proposals and to ensure the accuracy and integrity of research administration data by all staff.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with faculty, staff, researchers, and other university offices to share best practices and solve problems.
• Seek information to maintain current knowledge on compliance regulations in pre-award area of Research Administration, PeopleSoft Grants Management, and data analytics.
• Work closely as a team, following established team norms, to provide professional-level services across the research enterprise.
• Assist with internal team meetings and metrics reporting.

5% Professional Development
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.

Education:
Minimal Qualifications: Associates degree or equivalent work experience (or a combination of the two) preferably in sponsored research/grants management
Preferred Qualifications: Associates degree or equivalent work experience (preferably in sponsored research/grants management) (or a combination of the two) preferably in sponsored research/grants management

Experience:
Minimal Experience: Minimum of 1 year work experience (preferably in higher education setting).
Preferred Experience: Two or more years in a research administration-related field; advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations; experience with Peoplesoft or similar database and/or query development.

Essential Skills:
• Requires independent judgment, strong organizational and communication skills and a commitment to customer service across broad and diverse subject areas.
• Excellent math skills, attention to detail, and ability to work with a high degree of accuracy.
• Working knowledge of accounting and budgeting skills in managing financial accounts and funds, as well as knowledge of generally accepted accounting, fiscal and reporting principles.
• Ability to review, proofread, and advise faculty and staff in a professional manner about documents prepared by them for submission with research proposals.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, research and resolve problems, meet deadlines, and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.

Preferred Skills:
• Working knowledge of compliance regulations as it relates to research administration.
• Understanding of research administration guidelines of Federal and non-Federal sponsors supporting research and educational activities, preferably in a university environment.

• Demonstrated working knowledge of, principles of cost accounting standards including allowability, allocability and reasonableness as it relates to sponsored activity.
• Working knowledge of contracts, grants transactions, and applicable financial systems.
• Previous experience in pre-award administration, proposal preparation and submission processes.
• Familiarity with PeopleSoft grants management module and creation of PeopleSoft queries

The physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Health & Safety: All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

Special Instructions to Applicants: An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from veterans and people with disabilities. 

All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records