Pre-Award Research Administrator - University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT) is an off-campus research facility, located on a creative business campus in the “Silicon Beach” neighborhood of Playa Vista. ICT is revolutionizing training through the development of immersive learning environments. We are the leaders in producing virtual humans, computer training simulations, computer graphics and immersive experiences for decision-making, cultural awareness, leadership, and health. The atmosphere at ICT is informal and flexible, while also encouraging initiative, personal responsibility, and a strong work ethic. We find ICT to be an exciting place to work and expect you will too. We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Pre-Award Administrator to join our team. The successful candidate will work closely with principal investigators (PIs) and the Department of Contracts and Grants to manage the administrative components of sponsored and non-sponsored research projects. This role involves overseeing proposal submissions, developing project budgets, ensuring compliance with funding requirements, and providing comprehensive support throughout the project lifecycle. This position is located in Playa Vista, CA. A remote or flexible hybrid work schedule is available. Candidates local to the Los Angeles area are preferred. Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with principal investigators in preparing the administrative components of research proposals, ensuring adherence to sponsored and non-sponsored research guidelines. Oversee and manage the submission process for proposals, both paper and electronic, ensuring completeness and compliance with relevant regulations. Develop, prepare, and finalize project budgets, providing clear and detailed budget justifications. Serve as the primary liaison between principal investigators, the Department of Contracts and Grants, research groups, and other departments, facilitating effective communication and collaboration. Respond to sponsor inquiries and ensure that awards are properly set up, including fulfilling cost-sharing requirements. Review and approve expenditures, advise on post-award spending, and monitor commitment activity to ensure compliance with fund and revenue regulations. Develop and communicate reports that support project status, including creating effective forecasting and decision-making tools. Participate in the contract closeout process by submitting final reports, certificates, and compiling necessary documentation for audit inquiries. Provide expert advice on University and government policies related to research projects, serving as a key resource for PIs and university staff. Lead process improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices and mentoring other staff through cross-training and group projects. Required Qualifications: Basic knowledge of governmental regulations, including 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Guidance), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). Proficient knowledge of sponsor proposal processes and policies, particularly with agencies such as DOD, NSF, DARPA, IARPA, and ONR. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines. Proven oral and written communication skills to effectively interact with colleagues, researchers, and stakeholders. Strong accounting skills and the ability to analyze and create statistical reports. Experience with relevant research computer software, including Microsoft 365 and Outlook. Experience submitting proposal applications in Research.gov, Grants.gov, and other federal government proposal submission portals. Ability to handle sensitive information and communicate effectively with faculty, project teams, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA), Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator (CPRA), or Certified Financial Research Administrator (CFRA) certifications. Competency in project management. Knowledge of procurement needs, including sole-sourcing, cost analyses, vendor requirements, and small business reporting. Experience working with federal sponsors’ budget forms and proposal forms (e.g., ARO Form 99, R&R Budget form). Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as organizational skills. Occasional availability for evenings and weekends to meet proposal submission deadlines. The hourly rate range for this position is $41.00/hr to $46.15/hr. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. Interested candidates must upload a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and qualifications for this position. We look forward to reviewing your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to contribute to our pre-award team. Why work at ICT: A quality work-life balance Meet interesting people from all walks of life – technologists, social scientists, military, writers, producers, philanthropists Opportunities for free, top-tier university education for you and your children Located in the heart of Silicon Beach Great benefits - medical to matched retirement http://benefits.usc.edu/ Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 3 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Basic knowledge of governmental regulations. Strong accounting skills. Competency in project management. A Bachelor’s Degree with broad knowledge of relevant research computer software, e.g.: Microsoft Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Outlook, SPSS, Visio, and SunGard. Experience in creating and analyzing statistical reports. Must be able to utilize computer technology to access data, maintain records and generate reports. Proven oral and written communication skills to interact with other employees. USC is a smoke-free environment USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Plan Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination USC is an E-Verify Employer Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$115322.htmld USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. (If you already work for USC, see Your USC career.) At any point you may also contact our HR Service Center for help at (213) 821-8100 or uschr@usc.edu.