Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Proposal and Award Generalist pursues, administers and conducts sponsored programs; identifies funding opportunities; facilitates the proposal preparation process; submits proposals; reviews awards for items specific to the faculty, department, and college/unit; informs faculty and college personnel of special contractual requirements; ensures compliance with University guidelines; and provides training to personnel on topics that cover the breadth of research administration.

• Search for, obtain, and distribute funding opportunities utilizing expertise database; maintain database information
• Collaborate with college/unit offices on funding opportunities requiring special handling such as limited submissions, RFA (Request for Application), RFP (Request for Proposal), ITQ (Intent to Qualify) and other solicitations
• Liaison with Office of Sponsored Programs, ORP (Office of Research Protection), Office of Technology Management (OTM), Risk Management or other central units as needed to support proposal development
• Lead and or participate in meetings with faculty or department heads on funding opportunities, team formation and responses to opportunities; provide recommendations to improve proposal success rate and effectiveness of award management
• Prioritize timelines/schedules through interpretation of potential funding opportunities and hold proposal team accountable
• Assist faculty or others with proposal preparation through reviewing sponsor and University guidelines and submission requirements
• Develop, finalize and/or approve proposal budget and cost share; prepare required forms, representations and certifications, and budget justification; obtain cost share approvals
• Prepare requests for advance fund numbers, fund numbers, cost centers, cost sharing cost centers, and other account set up actions
• Prepare and submit budget documents for awarded funds, budget adjustments, and account close-out transfers
• May be responsible for tasks associated with labor distribution and effort confirmation
• Participate in meetings with Office of Sponsored Programs and unit administration concerning Export Control, publication restrictions, and other potential risks; initiate follow up on sign-offs and monitor process
• Review expenditures for approval; review and approve personnel appointments on sponsored program funds
• Run system-generated financial reports; manage subawards; prepare and submit monthly/quarterly financial reports
• Facilitate materials transfer and other agreements; assist Property Inventory with receipt, accountability, and reporting on government owned equipment
• Serve as an area expert on special award types including multi-unit, interdisciplinary, significant number of subawards, multi-fellowship awards, substantial industry involvement, significant administrative oversight, significant financial tracking and reporting, and multi-site clinical trials or field activities.
• Resolves issues and implements solutions; initiates process improvements to address systemic roadblocks
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 9
• Minimum – $56,200.00
• MidPoint – $68,800.00
• Maximum – $81,500.00

• Data Analysis
• Database management
• Financial analysis
• Grant writing
• Labor Cost Distribution
• Presentation software
• Report writing
• Stakeholder engagement
• Time Management