Posting DetailsThis position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Hiring Range
$77,500 - $86,600
Working Title Pre-Award Manager
External Link to Posting https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/40824
Vacancy Number E1616
Position Number 6023
Location of Workplace Main UNCW Campus
Home Department Sponsored Programs & Research Compliance - 31110
Division Academic Affairs - 30 Division
Brief Summary of Work for this Position Under the direction of the SPARC Director, the Pre-Award Manager oversees all pre-award activities for the SPARC office. The individual makes decisions and authorizes actions in collaboration with the leadership team. Duties include supervision, training, and management of the SPARC Pre-Award Team comprised of Sponsored Programs Officers; advises Principal Investigators and supporting staff with project proposals, budget analysis and review, and submission; confirms compliance with University and sponsor guidelines and requirements; holds delegated authority to evaluate and endorse proposals on behalf of the University; coordinates and resolves pre-award management and compliance issues, questions, and procedures with other University offices; resolves complex and higher-level pre-award issues; contributes to proposal activity, proposal volume, and pre-award reporting by reviewing data in electronic systems to ensure accuracy; and works closely with the electronic research administration team to support proposal-related system functionality and data integrity.
The Pre-Award Manager serves as a liaison among Principal Investigators, university administrative units, sponsors, departments/deans, and the SPARC team on proposal development, proposal review, and pre-award compliance matters. The role is critical in interpreting agency and university proposal requirements, policies, and best practices for departments; disseminating information on proposal and award volume and budget development; and proactively communicating changes to the research community about sponsor proposal requirements and other pre-award regulatory information.
A key success factor for this role is staying current with federal, state, and sponsor requirements applicable to proposal development and submission, including Uniform Guidance, FARs and DFARs when relevant to federal contract proposals, and institutional policies governing sponsored programs. The position must also be able to train others on the practical application of these requirements in the pre-award process.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements - A master's degree and three years of relevant experience; or, on an exceptional basis, a bachelor's degree and five or more years of pre-award research administration experience for candidates demonstrating comparable professional-level background in sponsored research administration.
- At least three years of experience in pre-award research administration within a centralized research administration office.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience - Extensive knowledge of research administration, proposal budgeting, sponsor guidelines, institutional approvals, and pre-award compliance practices.
- Management experience in an academic setting.
- Research administration certification, including, but not limited to, Certified Research Administrator (CRA).
- Experience working in a fast-paced, changing environment while interacting with people at all levels of the organization in a diplomatic and professional manner.
- Ability to work on a team and independently, including experience training staff and clients.
- Working knowledge of proposal budgeting, cost principles, sponsor budget restrictions, F&A, cost sharing, and subrecipient proposal requirements.
- Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to solve problems and exercise judgment, discretion, and initiative in interpreting administrative policies and procedures.
- Highly organized, flexible, and able to self-manage workload.
- Ability to comprehend and interpret complex state, federal, and sponsor rules, regulations, policies, and laws related to proposal development and submission.
Required Certifications or Licensures N/A
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit The Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC) office is committed to providing efficient and effective service to the faculty and staff throughout the university in support of their sponsored research and scholarship activities.
The Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPARC) office is charged with oversight of externally sponsored programs. SPARC provides complete cradle-to-grave sponsored program administration and support to ensure faculty have the resources and encouragement necessary to successfully and legally conduct their programs, including a) support in identifying funding sources, b) assisting faculty with the proposal and budget development, c) monitoring/overseeing the responsible management of sponsored projects, d) ensuring university compliance with contract/grant fiscal and regulatory requirements, and e) protecting the university from unrecovered revenue, disallowed costs, and non-compliance with state and federal policies pertaining to sponsored programs. SPARC also administers the return of F&A to departments. SPARC remains centralized for compliance and reporting purposes but is becoming decentralized in service delivery to the university research enterprise.
SPARC seeks professionals who demonstrate critical thinking and a client-centered mentality to join the team. The office is committed to fostering a collaborative community that contributes to an inclusive campus environment, aiming to make UNCW a thriving place for staff, researchers and stakeholders.
College/School InformationUniversity Information The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to-BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation's only bachelor's degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university's efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of "Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity" institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.
Number of Openings Single Incumbent
Special Notes to Applicants PLEASE NOTE: This posting will close at 11:59PM (Eastern time) on the posted closing date. To receive full consideration, please be sure you have fully completed the entire application. Applications must be submitted through the online application system to be considered.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement consistent with UNCW policies and operational needs. Employees approved for hybrid work are expected to maintain a regular on-campus presence and participate in in-person meetings, training, and other activities as required. Hybrid work eligibility will be discussed during the interview process and is subject to approval based on departmental needs and employee performance. Presently the work unit requires 3 days in-office and allows for 2 days remote, once a satisfactory training period has been met.
Months Per Year 12 Months
FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Type of Position Permanent
Anticipated Ending Date if Time-Limited PositionsJob Posting Date 09/18/2026
Posting Close Date 10/18/2026
