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Office of Research:
The University of Central Florida (UCF) Office of Research sets the standard for excellence in service to our stakeholders by supporting research, commercialization, and economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, collaboration, and integrity, we foster an environment where employees can pursue their personal and professional goals while contributing to organizational success. We serve as an essential resource for attracting and retaining premier talent and research funding through operational excellence, innovative technology, and cohesive teamwork.
The Opportunity:
UCF’s Office of Research is looking for a skilled Proposal Specialist II to join a team dedicated to advancing UCF's research mission through exceptional pre-award support.
In this position, you'll serve as a trusted partner to investigators and research administrators — ensuring proposals are accurate, compliant, and ready for submission to government and non-government entities. Your attention to detail, command of sponsor requirements, and commitment to compliance will directly enable UCF researchers to pursue the discoveries and innovations that advance our communities.
If you thrive in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment and are energized by connecting people to resources that make an impact, this is an opportunity to do meaningful work at one of the nation's leading public research universities.
Responsibilities:
Proposal Review & Compliance
Conducts comprehensive review of completed proposals, ensuring that proposals are current, accurate and complete and in full compliance with sponsor and University policies, procedures, and other requirements.
Ensures proposal application and approvals are routed and completed through university electronic systems used for review and processing; ensure records are accurate and complete.
Collaborates with the senior proposal specialist on obtaining appropriate review and approvals for award terms and conditions and/or agreements as required at proposal stage.
Ensures the adherence of established policies and procedures for submission to central office prior to proposal submission to external sponsoring agency or community partner (i.e. 5-day rule, eRA system, etc.).
Stakeholder Advising & Support
Advises and assists University faculty, staff, departmental administrators and research coordinators in the interpretation of sponsor guidelines, forms, regulations, and policies related to proposal and budgetary requirements.
Provides assistant and guidance to investigators and college and department research administrators on University and Sponsor requirements, procedural and policy changes affecting proposal preparation, review and submission.
Collaboration & Coordination
Coordinates with research collaborators (e.g., subcontractors, consultants, evaluators, vendors, etc.) to ensure their commitment and eligibility, and that all proposed financial documents (e.g., subcontract budget, vendor quotes, etc.) are current, accurate, and complete.
May participate and assist in the development and implementation of pre-award policies and procedures in conjunction with senior leadership to improve pre-award services.
Training, Development & General Duties
May participate in providing training, workshops, and demonstrations to investigators and their staff on pre-award matters.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of various federal, state, and sponsoring agencies and UCF systems.
Attends relevant internal/external professional development trainings, seminars, conferences, pre-award staff meetings, etc.
Reports to the Assistant Director for Proposals and provides efficient and effective research administration. May report to the Proposal Specialist III.
Other duties and special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in sponsored programs, including grant management, budgeting, non-profit management, or related areas, preferably within a research environment.
Proficiency in interpreting and applying sponsor guidelines, federal and state regulations, and institutional policies to ensure compliance during proposal review and submission process.
Familiarity with university electronic research administration systems (e.g., Huron Research Suite, or similar platforms) and electronic systems for proposal review and processing (e.g., Huron Grants Suite), as well as other third-party electronic systems.
Experience in addressing complex issues related to proposal review and submission, with an emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and sponsor requirements.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines, prioritize tasks, and work effectively in a fast-paced research environment.
Strong problem-solving skills with the capacity to identify issues and proactively propose solutions.
Commitment to delivering excellent customer service, demonstrating keen attention to detail and a strong focus on compliance throughout the process.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse stakeholders.
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $56,030 – $68,636.50. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.
If you are selected as the final candidate for an employment opportunity, both your position and salary will be significantly based upon the information that you have provided in your application for employment. We urge you to please take the time to complete the application.
This is a Contract and Grant (C&G) funded position. Employment is subject to availability of funding and may cease at the time funding for this employment is depleted.
All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H‑1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.
Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?
As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 12 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills, and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.
Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:
Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
Retirement savings options
Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
Education assistance
And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.
Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.
Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.
Department
Office of Research - OperationsWork Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMType of Appointment
RegularExpected Salary
$56,030.00 to NegotiableJob Posting End Date
08-05-2026-12-00-AMThe University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.
UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.
If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].
For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 2+ years of relevant experience (pre-award/research administration or equivalent)
- Authorization to work for any U.S. employer (visa sponsorship not available)
- Experience in sponsored programs, grant management, budgeting, or related areas (preferred within a research environment)
- Proficiency interpreting sponsor guidelines, federal/state regulations, and institutional policies for proposal compliance
- Familiarity with university electronic research administration systems (e.g., Huron Research/Grants Suite, eRA systems)
- Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and customer service orientation
University of Central Florida Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about University of Central Florida and has not been reviewed or approved by University of Central Florida.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Florida Group Insurance Program, including medical, dental, vision, basic life, and optional supplemental plans administered via People First. Enrollment timing is clearly defined for new hires, with coverage able to start as soon as the month after hire.
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Retirement Support — Retirement options include the FRS Pension Plan, FRS Investment Plan, and the State University System Optional Retirement Program for eligible roles, plus voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Reemployment rules and continuation of health/life coverage in retirement are also outlined.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Nine paid holidays are recognized annually, with the possibility of additional paid personal leave days at the President’s discretion, and certain employees receive a personal holiday each year. Faculty also have access to leave programs such as sabbaticals and professional development leave.
University of Central Florida Insights
What We Do
Founded in 1963 to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, UCF has been making an impact on the state, the nation — and outer space — ever since. With 13 colleges and more than 230 degree programs, your passion lies at one of our campus locations designed to help you succeed. From the main campus in east Orlando to UCF Downtown and Rosen College of Hospitality Management to the Academic Health Sciences Campus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in the heart of your industry. UCF also has multiple regional locations and fully online programs — including online bachelor’s degrees, online graduate degrees, online certificates and more — to ensure that you can achieve your dreams whenever and wherever you want. Being part of the UCF alumni family means... being a community. A group of people who have a UCF experience, who care about the university and who want to stay connected to it. Being the voice of UCF alumni. Upholding and creating the traditions of UCF. We began with 423, and now we are over 340,000 strong. Our UCF experience has altered us. It has stuck with us. It has changed us. We engage the world with spirit and pride. We are passionate. We are enthusiastic. We are dedicated. We inform, educate and inspire. We embrace our inner Knights. We love our alma mater. We bleed black and gold. We are UCF.
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