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:

– Senior Support

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas. 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:

– May serve as lead support staff and/or provide basic direction to lower level support staff
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Handles financial transactions
– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

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
– May use experience to resolve more complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of institutional policies and procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by 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; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials that may be intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00