Job Summary
Provide assistance to faculty in the development and submission of proposals for external funding for assigned departments. Oversee and facilitate the negotiation and acceptance of awards from external sponsors. Perform numerous higher-level administrative duties that require negotiation, collaboration and analytical skills.
Essential Functions
50% Provide assistance to faculty in the development of proposals for external funding for assigned department(s). Collaborate with University administrators to coordinate activities pertaining to the securing of funds. Respond to inquiries regarding grants and meet with administrators to review proposals and resolve problems. Coordinate with deans and department chairs regarding guidelines for proposal authorization and obtain clearances on unusual requests for proposal submissions. Assemble funding and budget information, proposal documents, confirm sources of cost sharing, and certification of compliance with sponsor and university policies. Prepare and dispatch proposals to sponsors in accordance with each funding agency's guidelines and mandates.
35% Review, analyze, and accept awards from external funding sources. Participate in negotiating terms and conditions for research agreements between The University of Akron and corporate sponsors and other outside sources when appropriate. Prepare and dispatch subcontracts and consultant agreements on awards.
10% Responsible for no cost extensions, budget revisions, amendments and extensions of subcontracts and consultant agreements. Coordinate with the grant accountant(s) on any post award actions that require sponsor approval.
5% Responsible for maintaining proposal and award database information for assigned departments and for providing specialized data reports as necessary. Maintain current knowledge of government regulation and guidelines.
Education: Bachelor's Degree required.
Experience: Requires a minimum of 4 years experience in progressively more responsible office administration and information records management, with at least one year of grants and sponsored programs experience preferred. Knowledge of funding sources, university policies and electronic research administration required. Strong communication, problem solving, budget management and computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheets and specialized databases required.
Leadership: Functional guidance over nonexempt staff including general scheduling, assigning tasks and monitoring work activities.
Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled.
Compensation: The compensation for this position starts at $51,800 and is commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, please attach your resume and cover letter.
FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):
Union Affiliation (if applicable):
For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:
Cindy HarmEmail:
________________________________________________________________________
Background Check StatementThe University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees. The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus. As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search.
Non-Discrimination StatementThe University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
State of Residence StatementIt is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's Degree required
- Minimum 4 years experience in office administration
- At least 1 year of grants and sponsored programs experience
- Knowledge of funding sources and university policies
- Strong communication and problem solving skills
- Budget management skills
- Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets and databases
What We Do
The University of Akron is a public research university in Ohio that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, with a strong focus on STEM fields and polymer research.
