Proposal and Award Generalist (Grants and Contracts), Nursing

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. ​  POSITION SPECIFICS​Join the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing as a Proposal and Award Generalist to help advance the College’s research mission by ensuring high quality, compliance, and timely proposal development.While the primary focus of this position is pre-award administration, the Proposal and Award Generalist will also provide comprehensive administrative support across post-award.This role also provides integrated backup and operational support across research administration functions.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:Pre-Award Administration:Serve as the primary point of contact for all pre‑award activities.Coordinate preparation of grant and contract proposals (e.g., budgets, justifications, biosketches).Review sponsor guidelines, funding announcements, and compliance requirements.Manage proposal timelines and ensure timely submission.Prepare and route proposals through institutional and federal sponsor submission systems (e.g., Cayuse, Research.gov, Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST).Support faculty with complex proposal submissions (e.g., multi‑site, collaborative, limited submissions).Maintain proposal records, tracking, and internal reporting.Provide training and guidance to faculty and staff on proposal development.Research Administration Support:Assist with contract and subaward negotiations coordination.Provide occasional support for award setup and sponsor communication.Participate in process improvement and development of research administration tools.The Proposal and Award Generalist will also support routing of regulatory compliance materials, including Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Conflict of Interest reviews.Additional Key Responsibilities:Financial and Post-Award Support:Perform interim account reconciliation, financial monitoring, and expense compliance review.Support student financial processing and reconciliation.Ensure operational continuity during staffing gaps.Create, submit, and monitor financial requests (e.g., purchasing, reimbursements, vendor setup); resolve workflow issues.Procurement and Purchase Order Management:Manage purchase orders for research supplies and services.Coordinate vendor communication, invoice resolution, and documentation.The above responsibilities will involve collaboration with numerous Penn State units, including the Office of Sponsored Programs, Research Accounting, Office for Research Protections, and the central finance office.After training, the Proposal and Award Generalist will work with various software including SIMBA (Penn State's System for Integrated Management, Budgeting and Accounting), SAP Concur, and ServiceNow.Qualifications:Applicants must have the following:At least two years of experience in research administration or related areas (e.g., grant management, regulatory compliance, academic administration, project management, or financial/budget administration)Demonstrated experience with pre‑award or post‑award administration (e.g., proposal development, submission, award management, or financial oversight) Additional Required Qualifications:Effective verbal and written communication skillsOutstanding interpersonal and collaboration skills; inclusive and respectful when working with othersAbility to exercise discretion and judgment while managing confidential materialsDemonstrated ability to take initiative and manage multiple prioritiesProficiency with core Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and OutlookHolding or actively pursuing the Certified Research Administrator (CRA) credential will be considered a plus. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None Important Application Instructions:Applicants must submit a cover letter addressing their interest and relevant experience, in addition to a resume.Additional Information:The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is supportive of flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work opportunities, when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position.Questions related to flexible work and/or remote arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $81,500.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition d