Research Administrator

Please see Special Instructions for more details. Posting Information Posting Number Posting Number PG194807EP Internal Recruitment Internal Recruitment No Working Title Working Title Research Administrator Anticipated Hiring Range Anticipated Hiring Range $62,000 - $70,000 Work Schedule Work Schedule Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm Job Location Department Department College of Natural Resources About the Department The College of Natural Resources is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hand-on experience they need to thrive out in the world. We encourage our award-winning faculty to work across disciplines and find innovative solutions to global challenges. And we partner with industry and government to put our research to work in communities everywhere. For almost a century, the college has served vital industries in North Carolina - including the state's largest manufacturing sector, forest and wood products; its largest service sector, tourism; and more than half a million forest landowners. Together, these industries sustain more than half a million jobs and generate $50 billion in annual economic impact. But our research goes even farther afield: We're recognized globally as experts in sustainability, the management of land and water, and solutions at the intersection of built and natural environments. In keeping with NC State's land-grant mission, we're dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for all. The College of Natural Resources Research Office works closely with the Office of Contracts and Grants, Office of Sponsored Programs and Regulatory Compliance Services, the Office of Research and Innovation, the Office of Finance and Business, and granting agencies on all pre and post award activities. The research administrators in the CNR Research office participate in grants management throughout the life cycle of the award, from proposal development and submission, award management, and closeout. Wolfpack Perks and Benefits As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered. Essential Job Duties As part of the College’s research administration team, The Research Administrator plays an important role in supporting faculty and ensuring the effective management of sponsored projects. The position provides financial and administrative support throughout the full award lifecycle, from proposal development and submission through award management, reporting, and closeout. By partnering with faculty and university stakeholders, this role helps ensure sponsored projects are managed effectively and in compliance with university, state, federal, and sponsor requirements. Proposal Development and Submission Prepare, compile, and submit grant and contract proposals for assigned faculty through NC State University systems, including RED , and sponsor electronic submission portals such as Grants.gov, Research.gov, and EERE Exchange. Collaborate with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop proposal budgets, budget justifications, and other required documents in accordance with university and sponsor requirements. Create and maintain RED records for faculty and coordinate with campus offices to facilitate timely and accurate proposal submissions. Provide guidance and training to faculty within the assigned portfolio regarding NC State business processes and requirements for proposal development and submission. Review proposal documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable university and sponsor guidelines. Serve as a resource to faculty throughout the proposal process, identifying potential issues and coordinating resolutions with appropriate university offices. Award Management Manage an assigned portfolio of sponsored projects by monitoring financial activity, expenditures, budgets, and projections and providing Principal Investigators (PIs) with timely information to support effective project and financial decision-making. Provide financial guidance and oversight by applying accounting principles, sponsor requirements, and university policies to budgeting, forecasting, personnel expenses, cost allocations, and other fiscal activities. Partner with PIs throughout the award lifecycle by conducting regular financial reviews, discussing project spending and future plans, identifying potential issues, and recommending appropriate actions to keep projects on track. Coordinate award modifications and approvals by preparing and managing project modification requests, including rebudgeting, no-cost extensions, changes in PI, equipment purchases, travel, pre-award costs, and other actions requiring university or sponsor approval. Manage subcontracts and subawards throughout their lifecycle, including setup, monitoring, reporting, compliance, and closeout, while coordinating with PIs, university offices, and sponsoring agencies as needed. Ensure financial and regulatory compliance by monitoring sponsored project activity, reviewing personnel and financial expenditures, supporting effort certification, and addressing issues in accordance with federal, state, university, and sponsor requirements. Coordinate sponsored project closeout by resolving outstanding financial and administrative matters, completing final reconciliations, obtaining required approvals, maintaining project records, and coordinating timely submission of final reports and documentation. Provide financial reports, budget analysis, and consultation to PIs to support effective fiscal management of sponsored projects. Assist PIs and project teams with sponsor-required financial and progress reporting, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and submitted by established deadlines. Monitor and manage cost-share commitments and reporting, including maintaining appropriate supporting documentation and ensuring expenditures are accurately tracked and reported. Reconcile project financial activity and provide supporting documentation for sponsor and university reporting requirements. Respond to questions from faculty and project stakeholders regarding project financial status, reporting requirements, and allowable expenditures. Maintain accurate and complete financial records and documentation to support reporting, audits, and compliance requirements. If you are a detail-oriented professional who enjoys working with faculty, managing complex projects, and using financial expertise to support research, we’d love to hear from you. Other Responsibilities In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations. Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience Minimum Experience/Education – Require post-baccalaureate credentials plus 1-2 years experience; a bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis Other Required Qualifications Previous experience in contracts and grants administration. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and web-based financial management systems. Knowledge of accounting principles and practices, including budget planning and financial management. Experience researching and interpreting policies, procedures, regulations, and other requirements to assess and resolve complex issues using professional judgment. Organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. One or more years of university experience in Contracts and Grants administration. Experience using PeopleSoft Financials, PINS , RED , Grants.gov, and NSF FastLane. Experience with university research administration, including pre-award, post-award, and sponsored project closeout processes. Knowledge of government accounting methods and procedures, federal financial requirements, Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB ) standards, fund accounting, and audit requirements. Certified Research Administrator ( CRA ) certification or active pursuit of the certification. Required License(s) or Certification(s) N/A Valid NC Driver's License required Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required Commercial Driver's License required No Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions Job Open Date Job Open Date 08/19/2026 Anticipated Close Date Anticipated Close Date 09/02/2026; If posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications. Special Instructions to Applicants Position Number Position Number 00110271 Position Type Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID Department ID 150101 - College of Natural Resources EEO NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact View phone number on click.appcast.io to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io . Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * How did you learn of this opportunity? NCSU Website Job Alert (automated email from our system) NCSU Executive Search Services Monster.com CareerBuilder.com InsideHigherEd.com Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide Job / Career Fair The Chronicle of Higher Education Professional Journal Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical) Professional Organization Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter NCSU Employee Referral Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other) Other If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source. (Open Ended Question) * Please describe your experience with sponsored project administration, including pre-award, post-award, financial management, reporting, or closeout activities. (Open Ended Question) Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Contact Information for References Optional Documents NC STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC 27695 PHONE: View phone number on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr