Proposal Administrator, Sr. (Hybrid or Remote)

Senior Proposal Administrator

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is seeking an experienced Senior Proposal Administrator to join our Research Administration and Finance team. This role is responsible for the review, development, and submission of sponsored research proposals while ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and federal regulations.

The Senior Proposal Administrator serves as an authorized institutional official and trusted advisor to faculty, researchers, and departmental administrators throughout the proposal development and submission process. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of federal sponsored programs, proposal budgeting, and research administration practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Review, prepare, and submit sponsored research proposals for federal, state, foundation, industry, and other funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with sponsor requirements, institutional policies, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and applicable federal regulations.
• Review proposal budgets, cost sharing commitments, subrecipient documentation, and indirect cost calculations.
• Serve as an Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) for proposal submissions.
• Navigate and support submissions through systems including Grants.gov, Research.gov, NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, NASA NSPIRES, and other sponsor platforms.
• Provide guidance and training to faculty, researchers, and business administrators on proposal development and submission requirements.
• Maintain proposal documentation, tracking systems, templates, and business processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and support continuous enhancement of research administration services.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three (3) or more years of sponsored programs or research administration experience in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal proposal submission processes and regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Experience developing and reviewing proposal budgets.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting proposals submitted to NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, NASA, or other federal agencies.
• Familiarity with Cayuse, Banner, Grants.gov, Research.gov, and related research administration systems.
• Experience training and advising faculty and research administrators.

Why RPI?

Founded in 1824, RPI is the nation's first technological research university and a leader in innovation, discovery, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, retirement plans, generous paid time off, tuition benefits, and flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and remote opportunities.

Location: Troy, NY (Hybrid or Remote Considered)

Salary Range: $75,000 - $80,000

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