Pre-Award Specialist

GENERL NATURE OF POSITIONThe San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) partners with the SJSU Office of Research to assist faculty in the pursuit of external funding for sponsored research, service projects, and other discretionary activities. Fully committed to delivering best in class services, OSP serves as the central coordination point for all grants and contracts, and partners with principal investigators (PIs) to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies.As a member of the OSP team, you will work directly with faculty on the creation and development of grant proposals and in the negotiation of grant and contract awards for research, training, and other projects of San Jose State University (SJSU). The pre-award specialist will provide pre-award services in various aspects of the proposal preparation and submission phase, including interpretation of the sponsoring agency's guidelines, budget development, coordination of required approvals, and regulation and compliance requirements.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESAssist faculty in developing and submitting proposals for extramural funding.Develop complex multiyear budgets that are consistent with objectives stated in proposal narrative, as well as the policies of SJSU, SJSURF, CSU system and sponsoring agency.Provide editorial and writing assistance as appropriate. Assist faculty in developing concept papers to submit to potential sponsors.Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, and assist in proposal development and submission of proposals of varying complexity and deadlines.Work with contract manager to review complex contractual documents on behalf of the Research Foundation. Ensure terms and conditions are acceptable to SJSU and the Research Foundation.Advise faculty, the authorized signers, and university officers, as appropriate, regarding potential risks, irregularities of proposal applications, and responsibilities.Work with contract manager to prepare subcontract documents, and if applicable, ensure documents are in compliance with uniform guidance terms and conditions and other required federal regulations.Individually meet with faculty to introduce them into the sponsored program arena and provide one-on-one, personalized service. Inform faculty on the availability of resources within and outside the Research Foundation.Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with external sponsor agencies. Guide faculty to appropriate agency contacts to discuss proposals prior to submission, often making initial contact for the faculty. Make contacts with federal agency representatives to develop SJSU presence when visiting sponsors and conferences. Promote and facilitate cooperation among colleges and with community members such as local government, local foundations and industry.Work with faculty to resubmit denied proposals. Evaluate comments from sponsors and meet with faculty to address proposal weaknesses and revise proposal for resubmission. Review federal, state, profit and non-profit announcements, and other publications to remain current on funding opportunities and trends.Review and accept grant awards and transition them to the post-award team for new account set up.Regularly contribute to the OSP monthly newsletter, participate in the development of departmental policies and procedures, contribute to the reports on proposal and award activity for distribution to faculty and administrators.Participate in the University Grants Academy (UGA) Committee.Perform other job related duties as assigned.INTERPERSONAL CONTACTSReports to the associate director, pre-awardDevelop and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff and departments, principal investigators, SJSU VP for research and innovation, AVP for research, college deans, departmental chairs, and sponsor agencies on a regular basis.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIESNone, although may be called upon for advice and direction by others.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree required.Master's degree preferred.A minimum of 2 to 3 years of work experience in Research Administration responsibilities is required.Experience in electronic research administration is preferred.Knowledge of 2-CFR-200 (OMB Uniform Guidance) and FAR regulations is preferred.Knowledge, Skills, Abilities RequiredThe position requires strong verbal and written communications skills, organizational and time management skills with a focus on multi-tasking, prioritization, and adaptability.Thorough knowledge of current computer and office automation equipment and software required. Must be proficient in the use of MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Gmail), Windows or other applicable software packages.Thorough knowledge and understanding of pre-award requirements, government relations, and principles applicable to contracts and grants.Excellent communication and writing skills required.Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with Research Foundation colleagues, faculty and representatives of various organizations and agencies.Ability to prioritize tasks, to work independently, to maintain confidentiality, and to take initiative to improve upon current operations.Ability to work in a fast pace environment, and handle multiple deadlines and tasks with diplomacy under pressure.Accuracy in the development of complex multiyear budgets.Complexity of DutiesWorks on a variety of problems of complex scope where analysis of data or solutions requires an evaluation of intangible, variance factors.Exercises independent judgment in developing methods and evaluating criteria for achieved results.Must be able to act on critical issues in an independent manner.Physical RequirementsMust be able to operate a PC including mouse and keyboard.Must be able to operate general office equipment.Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.Visual acuity associated with concentrated computer use.NOTE:

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities.The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

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