University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: School of Medicine, ACCORDS
Job Title: Research Services Senior Professional, Senior Pre-Award Specialist
Position #:00852205– Requisition #:40832
The Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Sciences (ACCORDS) is a program of research within the University of Colorado Anschutz, School of Medicine. The Program conducts comparative effectiveness, health outcomes, health services, and primary care research.
The Grants and Contracts Specialist will function as ACCORDS research support, including research grants, investigator-initiated studies, and program grants. This individual will act as a resource for ACCORDS and will be expected to work independently as well as collaboratively with ACCORDS Principal Investigators (PI’s) during the grant/contract process including, but not limited to development, submission, receipt, and reporting. The Senior Preaward Specialist is responsible for the interpretation and compliance with Federal, State, private foundation, and University policies and procedures as they relate to grant and contracts submission, receipt, management, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Proposal Coordination (75%):
Works independently as a senior preaward specialist to coordinate all preaward grants and contracts activity as assigned.
Monitors and reports on significant changes and updates to NIH, AHRQ, PCORI and other sponsor policies and processes as necessary.
Prepares and reviews complex, multi-year budgets prior to submission to federal, state, university and private sponsors for grants, fellowships, contracts, and industry contracts.
Applies appropriate employee compensation rates, fringe benefit rates, and approved escalation rates to budgets as needed.
Advises PIs of budgetary restrictions and applicability of indirect cost rates for various locations and types of proposals per submission guidelines.
Processes routing and final submission packets to sponsors in either electronic or paper format, including all compliance and regulatory documents and ensuring all sponsor guidelines and university policies are complied with.
Coordinates the preparation of both sponsor and institutional forms to ensure all signatures are obtained, and deadlines are met.
Responds to requests from funders for information/clarification needed for funding decisions including preparation of just-in-time information and/or budget revision and justification.
Works with the Office of Grants and Contracts (OGC) to identify cost-sharing in proposals to ensure accurate accounting.
Acts as a liaison between OGC and the sponsor ensuring the timely execution of all awards.
Acts as liaison between Children’s Hospital Colorado, OGC and ACCORDS as needed for grant proposals and subcontracts.
Maintains current electronic files on all grant and contract submissions.
Creates and maintains SharePoint reports and grants database entries for use by leadership and the research administration including, but not limited to, a 30/60/90 report, volume report, and active award report.
Award Administration (15%):
Works independently with PI’s and the OGC to coordinate the receipt of funded proposals.
Collaborates with OGC to ensure new and established projects are set up correctly in the University financial system, and all necessary invoicing has been received and payments scheduled when appropriate.
Reviews Notices of Awards as received to ensure University compliance and notifies and discusses with PI’s any restrictions or issues involved in these Notices.
Confirms and updates budget set up according to approved budget and initiates invoice scheduling when appropriate.
Coordinates the execution and setup of subcontracts.
Supports and ensures PI’s complete all necessary progress reporting and non-competing continuation routings
Other (10%):
Assists in the training of junior research administrators on new proposal routings, subcontract routing and continuation routing and reporting
Maintains an accurate and comprehensive database of all grants and contracts submitted (funded, in review, not funded) including proposed dates, direct and indirect costs, PIs, personnel, senior/key effort committed, sponsors, award id’s, project title, and a short descriptor.
Maintains knowledge of current and new CU and funding agency policies.
Responds to requests for salary information, biosketches, other support documents and proposed subcontracts for research faculty and PRAs.
Provides direction to department faculty and research staff regarding Federal, State, private foundation, and University policies and procedures as related to grant and contracts submission, receipt, management, and reporting.
Attends local and national conferences and trainings regarding sponsored research programs.
Participates in committees pertaining to process improvement, strategic planning, and organizational development as assigned.
Work Location:
Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of 2 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.
Why Join Us:
ACCORDS is a unique environment supporting innovative and interdisciplinary research across the University of Colorado Anschutz campus. ACCORDS brings together a large group of investigators from multiple disciplines, some who have their primary office at ACCORDS, and others who collaborate with ACCORDS personnel, programs and cores, while maintaining an off-site research home. Our methodologic cores provide support for the development of new projects, grant proposals for faculty, consultative support to investigators, as well as support our programmatic areas.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
Medical: Multiple plan options
Dental: Multiple plan options
Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
Holiday Days: 15/year
Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service
There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, social/behavioral sciences, finance, accounting, business administration, business, or a related field from an accredited institution
Minimum of 2 years of professional experience managing grant applications processes including budget development.
Experience in preparing detailed grant budgets.
Experience using the Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing federal grant applications.
Experience working in an academic or medical institution.
Experience in preparing contracts, subcontracts, project agreements, and/or memorandums of understanding.
Conditions of Employment:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
This position requires a thorough understanding of fiscal policy and the regulations set forth by sponsoring agencies and will advise the Grant Team Manager and Director of Finance and Administration regarding changing or developing departmental policies to ensure the department(s) is within compliance.
Strong decision-making skills; ability to independently analyze and resolve complex problems via examination of established protocols.
Strong independent judgment, problem solving, time management and analytical skills as well as self-directed work capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent customer service proficiency.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels in the organization.
Ability to produce accurate and timely work products.
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to work under pressure and to track and maintain timelines for grant development and submission, grant progress reports, and grant funding utilization.
Ability to learn new skills, synthesize, and apply knowledge from diverse disciplines.
High level computer skills including but not restricted to expertise in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, use of electronic forms, and knowledge of database searches. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information carefully.
Uphold the interests and good reputation of the University.
Demonstrated ability to self-manage priorities and be proactive in resolving issues.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong interpersonal skills and a high level of tact and diplomacy.
Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse community and with individuals at all levels of the organization.
Ability to interpret and apply policies from multiple levels of authority (federal, state, and institutional) and serving as a resource for others.
How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Curriculum vitae / Resume
Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address
Questions should be directed to: ACCORDS-HR@CUAnschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by 8/31/2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as
$59,012-$75,063
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program
