Associate Proposal Coordinator: UTIA Office of Sponsored Programs - UTIA

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking a full-time Associate Proposal Coordinator to provide essential technical support and assistance to faculty and staff in preparing applications for external funding. OSP is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators by facilitating proposal preparation and submission; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting contracts; and managing awards. Additionally, OSP ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in the proposal preparation process, working closely with faculty and staff to ensure the timely and accurate submission of funding applications. OSP is committed to the ongoing professional development of its team and actively supports attendance at organizations such as NCURA, SRAI, and other research administration associations.

Join us in making a meaningful impact at The University of Tennessee.

The position involves providing technical support and assistance to faculty members to advance the Institute’s research, education, and extension missions. Key responsibilities include:

Analyzing Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) from funding agencies, offering guidance on proposal preparation, initiating Cayuse proposals, and preparing comprehensive final proposal submission packages for various funding opportunities. 

The role requires close collaboration with faculty and business managers to develop project budgets that align with the statement of work. 

Additionally, the position works alongside project team members to prepare necessary support documents, such as conflict of interest statements, biosketches, and current and pending support documents, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines. 

The position is also responsible for coordinating and meticulously reviewing proposal packages to ensure financial and administrative compliance. 

Establishing internal completion milestones to guarantee timely and compliant proposal submissions is a key part of the role. 

Furthermore, the position will provide ongoing support to Institute stakeholders on budgetary and procedural matters related to sponsored programs.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience relevant to research administration/sponsored programs with a Bachelor’s degree, or 2 years’ experience relevant to research administration/sponsored programs with a Master's degree in Research, Administration, Business, or Science. Graduate work or Graduate Assistantship experience may be considered toward required experience.

Minimum Required Skills and Abilities:

• Skilled with Microsoft Office tools, in particular Excel
• Able to manage competing priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines
• Proficient professional writing skills for drafting correspondence
• Demonstrate critical analysis abilities, adeptness in relating information to specific circumstances, and exercise judgment in the application of both University policies and federal regulations
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work individually and in a team environment under stressful and time-sensitive conditions
• Ability to prioritize
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals, budgets, personnel salaries, and issues

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Federal funding requirements under Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200
• Working knowledge of University sponsored programs and fiscal policies and procedures
• Skilled in interpreting and explaining federal regulations related to externally funded sponsored programs and knowledgeable of the requirements of state, federal, private and nonprofit funding agencies
• Proficient in using sponsor specific submission systems (Research.gov, Grants.gov, ezFedGrants, eRA Commons, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Cayuse or Huron research administration systems

Work Location:

• THIS POSITION CAN BE FULLY REMOTE, IN-PERSON, OR HYBRID. 

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: 11
• Anticipated hiring range: The anticipated salary range for an Associate Proposal Coordinator is $50,000 to $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. 
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions: 

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before April 18, 2025.

• Please apply online with a cover letter, resume, and complete contact information of three professional references.

About The College/Department/Division: 

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators by facilitating proposal preparation and submission; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting contracts; and managing awards. Additionally, OSP ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.

OSP is committed to the ongoing professional development of its team and actively supports attendance at organizations such as NCURA, SRAI, and other research administration associations.

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