Pre-Award Specialist

Job no: 496746
Position type: Full-time
Location: North Haven - North Haven, CT
Division/Equivalent: Quinnipiac University
School/Unit: Debra Liebowitz
Department/Office: Provost
Categories: Staff

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Overview:

Quinnipiac University invites applications for the Pre-Award Specialist to support the mission of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) by providing expert guidance in proposal preparation, budget development, and sponsor compliance. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Pre-Award Specialist works closely with faculty and staff to facilitate competitive grant submissions, ensure compliance with sponsor and institutional policies, and optimize the use of Cayuse, the university’s grants management system.

This position plays a key role in advancing the university’s research mission by helping faculty and staff turn innovative ideas into successful grant proposals.
About Quinnipiac: Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,000 students in more than 130 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing, and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includes a 2023 NCAA National Championship win in ice hockey, a three-time defending national champion women's rugby team, and a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review's "The Best 388 Colleges." The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, attraction of diverse communities, development of innovative corporate partnerships, and construction of an ambitious set of capital projects. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.
Responsibilities:

Proposal Development & Faculty Support

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for grant proposal preparation and provide guidance, including narrative development assistance, budget creation, and sponsor guideline interpretation.
  • Review proposals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with sponsor requirements and university policies prior to submission.
  • Coordinate internal reviews and ensures timely, competitive, and compliant proposal submissions.
  • Ensure all proposals comply with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal/state regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance, NIH/NSF guidelines).
  • Assist faculty and staff in identifying external funding opportunities aligned with their scholarly and creative interests.
  • Communicate sponsor deadlines and requirements to faculty, staff, and administrators in a timely manner.
  • Serve as a primary resource for proposal-related functions within Cayuse, ensuring proper entry, routing, and submission of proposals.
  • Coordinate with compliance committees (IRB, IACUC, etc.) when needed during proposal development.
  • Maintain records of proposal submissions and compliance documentation for audit readiness.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director and ORSP team to maintain and improve pre-award workflows and reporting.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure smooth handoff of awarded proposals into the post-award phase.
  • Provide support for early post-award setup, including budget verification, contract review, and award notification tracking.
Contribute to ORSP workshops, faculty development sessions, and outreach activities.
Education Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Master's degree preferred 
  • CPRA or CRA is preferred
Qualifications:
  •  A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and foundation sponsor guidelines, with emphasis on pre-award functions and compliance.
  • Experience with electronic research administration systems
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administrators in a service-oriented environment
Special Instructions to Applicants:

TO APPLY:

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a resume, a cover letter detailing how your experience aligns with the position requirements, demonstrated commitment to intentional leadership that values individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and contact information for three references.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time faculty and staff which includes tuition remission and a culture that is inclusive and driven by excellence.

Quinnipiac University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful community.

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Application close:

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