Hybrid

Pre-Award Grants & Contracts Specialist II

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PAPosted July 14, 2026via Pitt Careers

Assist faculty in the development, preparation, and submission of sponsored proposals for research, ensuring that that proposals are complete and comply with University and sponsor policies, procedures, and guidelines. Assist faculty with the preparation and development of budgets. This position involves managing a portfolio of proposals submitted to a wide variety of agencies, often involving multiple departments and institutions (subawards). This role requires strong knowledge of grant policies, compliance regulations, and effective communication to guide researchers and their staff through the submission process. Serve as a liaison between faculty, institutional offices, and external sponsors to answer questions and resolve issues efficiently.

Assists in preparing and submitting small grant and contract proposals. Drafts and negotiates contractual arrangements and procurement proposals, conducts cost analyses, processes invoices, arbitrates claims and complaints, and performs all collections activities. Monitors grants and contractual arrangements and prepares routine financial documentation. Assists with policy and procedural interpretation and with the preparation of pre-award applications and reports to grant agencies.

The Grants & Contracts Specialist II (Pre-Award) guides faculty and staff in the review and processing of sponsored project proposals, progress reports, just-in-time requests, and activations. Other responsibilities may include assuring compliance with Federal, State, and Local government administrative requirements related to pre-award and/or sponsored project activities and in compliance with Department of Medicine’s Research Administration
(DOMRA) policies and procedures. This individual should have previous experience with proposal, report, and JIT submissions for NIH and other sponsors.

Little physical effort required. Duties are primarily sedentary.
Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Job Details

  • Assignment Category: Full-time regular
  • Job Classification: Staff.Grants & Contracts Specialist II (Pre-Award)
  • Job Family: Research
  • Job Sub-Family: Grants & Contracts
  • Campus: Pittsburgh
  • Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
  • Minimum Years of Experience Required: 1
  • Substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
  • Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
  • Hiring Range: To be determined based on qualifications
  • Relocation Offered: No
  • Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
  • Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
  • Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
  • Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter
  • Optional Documents: Not Applicable
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