Proposal Specialist II

Unleash YOUR Potential With Us

As a next-generation public research institute, we are an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to shape the future and solve the world’s most challenging problems. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role in pushing us forward to become among the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with uniquely talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses and regional locations. That means greater challenges to tackle, more meaningful opportunities to grow, and rewarding experiences that go beyond a paycheck. We’re seeking qualified, motivated individuals who will help UCF fulfill its mission in unleashing the potential of every individual, enriching the human experience through inclusion, discovery, and innovation; and propelling broad-based prosperity for the many communities we serve.

The Opportunity:

The Proposal Specialist II will provide timely, high-quality, and coordinated pre-award services to UCF faculty and research staff in multiple colleges/departments/units as assigned. This position is responsible for conducting a comprehensive analysis of proposals for extramural support to government and non-government entities.

UCF is seeking to fill multiple roles. Candidates for this job posting will be considered for additional vacancies in this department.

Responsibilities:

• Advises and assists University faculty, staff, departmental administrators, and research coordinators in the interpretation of sponsor guidelines, forms, regulations and policies related to proposal and budgetary requirements.
• Provides assistant and guidance to investigators and college and department research administrators on University and Sponsor requirements, procedural and policy changes affecting proposal preparation, review, and submission.
• Conducts comprehensive review of completed proposals, ensuring that proposals are current, accurate and complete and in full compliance with sponsor and University policies, procedures, and other requirements.
• Ensure proposal application and approvals are routed and completed through university electronic systems used for review and processing; Ensure records are accurate and complete.
• Collaborates with the senior proposal specialist on obtaining appropriate review and approvals for award terms and conditions and/or agreements as required at the proposal stage.
• Coordinates with research collaborators (e.g., subcontractors, consultants, evaluators, vendors, etc.) to ensure their commitment and eligibility, and that all proposed financial documents (e.g., subcontract budget, vendor quotes, etc.) are current, accurate, and complete.
• May participate in providing training, workshops and demonstrations to investigators and their staff on pre-award matters.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of various federal, state, and sponsoring agencies and UCF systems.
• Ensure the adherence of established policies and procedures for submission to the central office prior to proposal submission to external sponsoring agency or community partner (i.e. 5-day rule, eRA system, etc.).
• May participate and assist in the development and implementation of pre-award policies and procedures in conjunction with senior leadership to improve pre-award services. Attends relevant internal/external professional development trainings, seminars, conferences, pre-award staff meetings, etc.
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Pre-Award administration, proposal, and budget review
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills are necessary.
• Capacity to meet deadlines, prioritize, and work under pressure.
• Certified Research Administrator, Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Remote or hybrid work within the State of Florida may be considered based upon specific circumstances. If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity here at UCF, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application in its entirety.

Are Benefits Important to You?

Working at UCF has its perks!  In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off, including annual and sick leave and paid holidays
• Retirement savings options
• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
• Education assistance
• Flexible work environment
• And more…For more benefits information, go to the UCF Employee Benefits page click here.

Who Are We?

Founded in 1963 to fuel the region’s talent pipeline and support the growing U.S. space program, UCF is built to make a better future for our students and society. It’s one of the reasons U.S. News & World Report ranks UCF among the nation’s top 20 most innovative colleges, while Forbes, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review rank us a best-value university. UCF is one of 14 universities nationwide designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Research 1 university. With 13 colleges, including a fully accredited College of Medicine, UCF offers more than 220-degree programs between its main campus, downtown campus, hospitality campus, academic health sciences campus, and 11 UCF Connect centers located throughout the region. In addition, UCF extends its reach to communities in and beyond Central Florida by offering complete, online programs leading to bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, Ph.D.'s., certificates, and more.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Department

Office of Research - Operations

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The schedule may vary as required.

Type of Appointment

Regular

Expected Salary

$56,030.00 to Negotiable