Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Proposal Assistant supports the submission of research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies; works closely with the proposal and award team; ensures that all administrative components of grant proposals are accurate, complete, and submitted on time; provides support for post award management and tracking.

• Assist in the preparation and formatting of proposal documents including budgets, biosketches, current and pending support, and other required forms

• Gather necessary documentation for proposal submissions

• Review and compile complete proposal packages, ensuring adherence to sponsor guidelines and University policies

• Maintain proposal files, including tracking submission timelines, approvals, and post-submission documentation

• Assist in the receiving, logging, tracking, scanning, and distribution of awards

• Enter and manage proposal data in electronic research administration systems

• Assist with monitoring funds for line-item balances and overall balances

• Provide support in the creation of budget documents for award modifications, revisions, and other budget adjustments

• Serve as a liaison between investigators and research support offices, providing updates and clarifying submission requirements

• Explain procedures, forms and formats, definitions, and other requirements for the preparation and submission of budgets

• Assist in developing tools, templates, and guidance materials for proposal preparation

Level:

– Intermediate Support

Base Description:

– Completes administrative activities and tasks of a technical or functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May provide basic direction to lower level support staff

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Handles routine financial transactions
– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of institutional policies and procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials that may be intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 5
• Minimum – $38,300.00
• MidPoint – $46,900.00
• Maximum – $55,500.00

• General Equivalency Diploma (GED)
• High School (HS)