Position Information

General Information

Position Number
002130

Vacancy Open to
All Candidates

Working Title
Director, Pre-Award

Position Designation
EHRA Non-Faculty

Employment Type
Permanent - Full-time

Months per Year
12

Work Schedule

8:00 am-5:00 pm; Monday - Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours required, as necessary

Hours per week
40

FLSA Status
Exempt

Division
Research

Department
Div of Research (Adm)

Work Location
Cameron Hall

Salary Range
$112,562 - $115,000

Primary Purpose of Position

Serves as the Director, Pre-Award within the Office of Sponsored Research Administration, overseeing the Pre-Award team and directly reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Administration. The Director leads the institution's pre-award efforts, setting standards, priorities, and expectations for proposal budget development, proposal preparation and submission, and Just-in-Time (JIT). The Director provides leadership, builds community, and evaluates, designs, and refines team structure, workflow, and business processes across the university's pre-award lifecycle. Serves as an authorized organizational representative (AOR) for proposal submissions and oversees a team of pre-award officers who directly support PIs through the pre-award process. Works with the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Administration on ongoing process improvement and training within the Office of Sponsored Research Administration and campus research community. In consultation with the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Administration, develops policies, procedures, and guidelines for all pre-award operations for the pre-award team and provides guidance for the institution's research community.

Summary of Position Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and supervision for the SRA pre-award team, including developing long-term strategy and business objectives, workload planning, assignment of complex proposals, performance management, and staff development to deliver consistent, high-quality proposal development and pre-award support. Serve as a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader in research administration. Has a broad and deep understanding of post-award and contracting regulations in order to guide proposal development appropriately. Serves as an Authorized Organizational Representative for the University and conducts the final review of proposals being submitted by PIs. Strong knowledge of pre-award, including strong background in multiple types of sponsors, such as federal agencies, state and local government, foundations, and private industry. Strong working knowledge of different federal agency requirements and proposal types, especially for NSF, NIH, US Department of Education, DOD, and DOE. Serve as team lead to consult with and guide PIs on cost share requests and serves as the first reviewer/approver for F&A waiver and faculty minimum effort requests.(50%)
• Develop and maintain close, effective working relationships between teams within the Office of Sponsored Research Administration as well as constituent units within the Division of Research. Develop and steward partnerships among PIs, funding agencies, collaboration institutions, and SRA. (10%)
• Oversee the full pre-award lifecycle for the team's portfolio, from budget development through final submission and sponsor-required pre-award actions including JIT and budget revisions, setting standards, timelines, and review processes that ensure compliance with sponsor and University requirements. (10%)
• Develop, implement, and refine proposal submission policies, templates, tools, and metrics; analyze proposal volume, turnaround times, pre-award activity, and success rates to identify gaps and drive process improvements, training, and resource allocation decisions. Maintain and revise onboarding materials as well as train team in pre-award administration and ensure team remains up to date on sponsor requirements and lifecycle sponsored programs management. (10%)
• Work with Office of Sponsored Research Administration's leadership team on strategic initiatives. (10%)
• Point of Contact for all large and complex proposal submissions. Work directly with PI and team for budget development, guidance on solicitation, review of proposals, completion of internal processes, and submission to sponsor. (10%)
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• 7 years of experience in sponsored research administration, research operations, grants management, or a similar academic or research environment.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Master's Degree
• 10+ years of experience in post-award and research administration
• Experience as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR)
• Experience supporting sponsored research activities within an institution of higher education
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret federal and non-federal research regulations, sponsor guidelines, and compliance requirements. Knowledge of Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200).
• Ability to analyze complex information and provide guidance related to proposal development, budgets, and research administration processes.
• Experience using multiple internal and external systems related to research administration.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to resolve problems with diplomacy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and time management skills.
• Supervisory experience and strong management skills, including staff and performance management.
• Demonstrated leadership ability.

Necessary Certifications/Licenses

Preferred Certifications/Licenses

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or Certified Pre-Award Administrator (CPRA)

Special Notes to Applicants

• The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
• The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with the finalist.
• Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to support your answers to the supplemental questions.
• UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/

Posting Open Date
07/23/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Proposed Hire Date
08/24/2026

If time-limited please indicate appointment end date

Contact Information