As part of the Business Cooperatives within the College of Arts and Sciences, the Pre-Award Specialist will provide exemplary Pre-Award facilitation services for Principal Investigators (PI) seeking externally funded sponsored projects. The Pre-Award Specialist enables coordination and oversight of proposal submissions and non-financial services, in support of research driven initiatives. The Pre-Award Specialist is a customer-facing consultative role that provides a process driven approach, operating procedures and supporting systems to lead successful attainment of sponsored project funding in multiple college units.

The Pre-Award Specialist works along side the PI , and the applicable business center staff and is responsible for the coordination, revision, and submission of proposals for their assigned unit(s). The Pre-Award Specialist is a member of a business cooperatives that provides the best possible customer service to the PI in support of their research activities. Providing guidance on budget development and effective utilization of research resources for all proposals. The Pre-Award Specialist will deliver non-financial post-award services such as create/review requests for programmatic changes and determine necessary actions, communicate with applicable Research and Innovation and academic units as needed. The Pre-Award Specialist will provide specialized guidance to PI and staff in gaining knowledge of, acquiring, and finalizing external proposals. This position functions under limited supervision and is expected utilize sophisticated technology to provide professional services.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees' differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, financial, research administration, or project management and minimum four years of experience in pre- or post-award research administration and knowledge/track record in project management; equivalent education/experience considered. Experience with SAP or large integrated finance system. Ability to work independently and make decisions under general direction from research project team(s). Ability to balance and complete multiple priority tasks simultaneously. Ability to build trust and effective working relationships with clients – both internal and external. Excellent time management and organization skills. Skill using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ability to quickly learn other software. Knowledge of Uniform Guidance and University policies and procedures.

Master's degree. Project management and/or research administration experience working in higher education in a high-volume, high-production, and/or sponsored research-intensive environment. Experience working a in business, financial, or grant management role in a university department, unit, center, or college. Experience preparing and delivering shared resources and tools helpful. Experience in federal sponsor electronic portals, such ASSIST, research.gov, or grants.gov is helpful. Skill using project management software, SAP, WordPress, and social media platforms helpful.