Pre-Award Grants Specialist

Be a Pirate!

East Carolina University ( ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU's commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university's leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Academic Affairs ("AA") is headed by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs who serves as the institution's Chief Academic Officer ("CAO") and is responsible for administering academic policies. AA is comprised of each of the university's colleges, schools, and libraries, along with other academic support and administrative units, to include Learner Operations, Research, Economic Development and Engagement ( REDE), Institutional Planning, Assessment and Research, and Global Affairs. Academic Affairs works collaboratively to strengthen ECU's culture of academic excellence in line with our mission to be a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation.

The Office for Research, Economic Development and Engagement ( REDE) is responsible for providing resources, advocacy, education and support to elevate and advance East Carolina University's research community and advancing the institution's public service and economic engagement agenda. The Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation leads REDE and is a direct report to the Provost. Two teams comprise REDE. The Office of Research is focused on research and the Office of Industry and Community Engagement focuses on industry, national security, economic and community development, and continuing and professional education.

The Office of Research provides oversight of ECU's research enterprise including grant administration and ethical conduct of research; ensures compliance with the federal, state, and University rules and regulations; and supports technology transfer and commercialization. The office includes Pre-Award Services, Post-Award Services, Research Integrity and Compliance, Compliance Monitoring, Research Administration Analytics, Research Development, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the University Medical and Behavioral Institutional Review Board, and the Office of Licensing and Commercialization. The Coastal Studies Institute ( CSI) will also report within REDE. CSI is a collaborative, interinstitutional research, education, and outreach center led by East Carolina University.

In addition, The Office of Industry and Community Engagement collaborates with departments and colleges/schools across the University to amplify the university's service to and economic impact on North Carolina. This unit is the frontline resource for development and maturing of partnerships with entities in industry, state and local government, military agencies, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and other regional stakeholders. The purpose of these partnerships is to create research and learning opportunities that bring ECU faculty, staff, and students together with external partners to benefit the university and helps advance mutually beneficial community and economic development interests. This office provides strategic leadership for engagement, outreach, public service, and economic development activities, ensuring all align with the university's mission and values. These activities are supported through various funding sources including state appropriations, grants, contracts, continuing education programs, and philanthropic donors.

East Carolina University is also a regional university hub of NC Innovation ( NCI). The Eastern Region NCI Hub is housed within the Office of Industry and Community Engagement and its director works closely with the Senior Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and other campus leaders to guide the partnership between NCI and the University.

Under the umbrella of the Office of Research, the Office of Research Administration and Compliance ( ORAC) provides centralized pre- and post-award services related to sponsored projects. The primary purpose of the ORAC Pre-Award Grant Specialist position is to increase grant and contract proposal competitiveness from concept through submission to an extramural sponsor. The Pre-Award Grant Specialist supports individual faculty/staff and project teams in the development of applications for extramural funding, including review and interpretation of sponsor guidelines, supporting the administrative and financial preparation of application packages in eTRACS, and working collaboratively with Sponsored Programs Officers ( SPO) for on-time grant proposal submission.

Contingent upon availability of funds

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, or related business area; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

None

At least three (3) years demonstrated experience with development and submission of extramural proposals for grants and contracts in a university environment. Demonstrated positive/productive working relationships with faculty, senior administrators, and external research sponsor officials. Knowledge of programs and procedures for granting agencies, including federal agencies (e.g. NSF, NIH, OHS, DOE, DOD, USDA, NOAA, NEH, NEA) as well as corporate and private foundations and sponsors, and knowledge of relevant 0MB regulations. Possess skills such as excellent interpersonal, writing and communications, attentiveness to detail, critical thinking, problem solving, and analysis. National certification as a CRA, Certified Research Administrator, or CPRA, Certified Pre-Award Research Administrator.

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

At the time of employment two to three original letters of reference, official transcripts, a criminal background check, and proper documentation of identity and employability are required. Please be aware that if selected as a candidate of choice, an automatic e-mail will be sent to the individuals entered by the applicant in the References section in the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system. Letters of reference submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant tracking system will be verified and considered towards meeting this requirement.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must complete a candidate profile online via the PeopleAdmin system and submit any requested documents. Additionally, applicants that possess the preferred education and experience must also possess the minimum education/experience, if applicable.

Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act ( ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/ TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU 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.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.