Job Information
Old Dominion University Grant & Contract Administrator - Pre-award in United States
Posting Details
Job Title Grant & Contract Administrator - Pre-award
Department SPONSORED PROGRAMS
Position Number FP090A
Location Remote
Job Summary
The primary purpose of this position is to support faculty and research staff in the development and submission of proposals for externally funded research and sponsored programs. The Pre-Award Grant and Contract Administrator ( GCA ) independently manages a portfolio of proposals and is responsible for ensuring that all administrative components of proposal preparation are accurate, compliant, and submitted by required deadlines. Key duties include interpreting funding opportunity announcements, developing and reviewing proposal budgets and justifications, preparing sponsor and internal forms, coordinating institutional approvals, and submitting proposals through various sponsor systems. The GCA provides guidance on sponsor requirements, university policies, and federal regulations, and collaborates with investigators, internal units, and external subrecipients to facilitate successful submissions. This position plays a critical role in advancing the research mission of Old Dominion University by delivering timely, knowledgeable, and service-oriented support throughout the pre-award lifecycle.
Position Type FullTime
Type of Recruitment General Public
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in finance, business administration, public administration, or a related field. Or a bachelor’s degree in one of the above fields with professional experience equivalent to a master’s degree in a related area.
Working knowledge of pre-award project lifecycle activities related to externally funded research, such as proposal development, budget preparation, internal routing, or submission compliance.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with considerable skill in Excel for budget development and data tracking.
Basic knowledge of budgeting principles, cost estimation, and sponsor-specific budget formats.
Working knowledge of professional communication and customer service in a research or administrative setting.
Basic knowledge of institutional and sponsor policies related to proposal submission and research development.
Considerable knowledge of principles and practices in a general professional field such as finance, business administration, or research administration.
Considerable ability to independently manage a diverse portfolio of proposals, apply sound judgment, make decisions, and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
Working ability to monitor and assess personal performance in alignment with institutional expectations and proposal deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
Considerable experience supporting sponsored research proposals, including budget development, sponsor documentation, and internal review workflows.
Considerable knowledge of federal regulations and sponsor requirements related to pre-award compliance, such as Uniform Guidance, NSF PAPPG , NIH GPS , or export control.
Working knowledge of electronic research administration systems, such as ASSIST , Research.gov, Grants.gov, or similar sponsor platforms.
Working knowledge of university or nonprofit research administration operations, particularly within an academic or research-intensive environment.
Certified Research Administrator ( CRA ) or Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator ( CPRA ) designation.
Conditions of Employment
Job Open Date 03/03/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Application Review Date 03/13/2026
Job Close Date
Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required
Criminal Background Check The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.
Department Information
The Division of Research and Economic Development (DivRED) at Old Dominion University includes the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration ( SPA ), which reports through DivRED and provides administrative and operational support for activities conducted through the Old Dominion University Research Foundation ( ODURF ), a separate 501©(3) Type III affiliated research foundation.
This position is housed within SPA as an Old Dominion University employee and is assigned to support Research Foundation-sponsored activities. SPA administers the full lifecycle of externally funded research and sponsored programs on behalf of both the University and ODURF , ensuring proposals, awards, financial management, contracting, and compliance functions are carried out in alignment with federal, state, sponsor, University, and Research Foundation requirements.
Through this integrated structure, DivRED advances ODU’s research and economic development mission by promoting regulatory integrity, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship of sponsored funding.
Equity Statement
It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at (757)683-3141.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or © consistent with contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
ODU Statement
Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Resume
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).