Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Manager

Job Description

The College of the Environment has an outstanding opportunity for a Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Manager to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Grants and Financial Manager, the Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Managerserves as a strategic partner for faculty investigators, research staff, central university offices, and collaborating institutions. The position is responsible for managing the proposal development process from concept to submission, including proposal planning, budget development, compliance review, proposal assembly, and sponsor submission. The incumbent will independently interpret sponsor requirements and University policies, advise faculty on proposal strategy and competitiveness, and ensure timely, compliant proposal submissions, including multi-investigator, multi-institutional, and international collaborations funded by agencies such as NSF, NASA, NOAA, DOE, DOD, USGS, and other public and private sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Administration (80%)

Proposal Development and Submission

• Manage the complete grant and contract proposal process from funding opportunity identification through submission.
• Advise faculty and research teams on proposal strategy, sponsor requirements, eligibility, and compliance obligations.
• Develop proposal budgets and budget justifications, ensuring compliance with sponsor regulations and University policies.
• Coordinate proposal development activities with investigators, collaborators, subrecipients, departmental staff, and central University offices.
• Prepare, review, and submit proposal packages through University and sponsor systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.
• Provide guidance on sponsored research policies, institutional approvals, cost sharing, data management, export controls, and other compliance requirements.
• Serve as the primary pre-award resource for faculty and research teams, supporting research growth and competitiveness for external funding.

Research Administration Process Improvement (10%)

• Evaluate and improve departmental pre-award policies, workflows, and business processes.
• Develop tools, templates, guidance documents, and training resources to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Track proposal activity, submission trends, and workload metrics to support strategic planning and resource management.

Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Participate in College, departmental, and University research administration committees and working groups.
• Provide backup support for other grants administration staff during peak workload periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the research mission of the College of the Environment.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for the opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, research administration, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored research administration, including significant pre-award grants and contracts experience.

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience interpreting and applying sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and applicable federal, state, or other regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple proposals, competing deadlines, and detailed administrative requirements with accuracy.
• Experience working directly with faculty, investigators, research staff, institutional partners, or external collaborators.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with people from varied backgrounds, disciplines, roles, and levels of administrative experience.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple deadlines in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Strong financial analysis and budget development skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential.
• Experience supporting research programs within higher education, research institutions, or scientific organizations.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing complex proposals submitted to federal sponsors, particularly NSF, NASA, NOAA, DOE, DOD, and USGS.
• Knowledge of University of Washington grants and contracts policies and procedures.
• Experience with SAGE, Workday Finance, Research.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, NSPIRES, and similar electronic research administration systems.
• Experience supporting large center grants, cooperative agreements, multi-institutional awards, and international collaborations.

Working Conditions

This position works in a standard office setting and conditions are typical of an indoor office setting.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or

dso@uw.edu

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.