Assistant Director of Pre-Award (Office of Sponsored Programs)

About the Opportunity
*This
posting is open to current employees of the 17 constituent institutions of the
UNC System, the UNC System Office, and affiliates.*

The Assistant Director of Pre-Award is
responsible for all proposals and applications for sponsored awards. The
pre-award position will provide backup to post award administration of contract
and grant awards, with a portfolio of over $45M in awards for FY25 and over 100
subawards. This position is considered a subject matter expert (SME) in pre and
post award research administration for the UNCSO, PBSNC, UNC System Campuses,
private universities, and non-profit entities and will make independent
decisions and provide solutions/recommendations for proposals including
proposal requirements, timelines for submission, budgets, budgets, budget
justifications, and F&A waivers. The position will be the backup for
pre-award activity for the Director of Office of Sponsored Programs when
needed. Full knowledge of all University of North Carolina System (UNCS)
policies, state, local and federal polices/regulations are required for this
position including the federal 2 CFR 200 also known as Uniform Guidance. The
ability to train others at UNCSO, PBSNC, UNC campuses, and other external
entities on the processes for pre-award such as submitting proposals and items
to the sponsors is required of this position. Oversight and participation of
the changes in ConnectCarolina for the sponsored programs team is required.
Communicating effectively to all customers at the UNCS and other entities along
with comprehensive written ability is required. Compliance requirements must be
met on a continual basis to minimize risk to the UNCSO. This position interacts
with a variety of staff members including senior leaders, project managers,
support personnel in the development of proposals, management of sponsored
awards as well as ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Position is
considered high level and will need to communicate with officials from the
federal, state, and local governments sometimes making decisions quickly.
Position serves as one of the authorized organizational representatives
required to submit proposals to the federal government and other agencies.

This
position will be a hybrid or remote work arrangement, consistent with System
Office policy. UNC System employees are generally required to reside in North
Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.

About the UNC System Office

The UNC System Office includes the offices of the President and other senior administrators of the multi-campus University of North Carolina System. The UNC System is a treasured public institution dedicated to serving the people of North Carolina through world-class teaching, research, and community engagement. Today, nearly 250,000 students are enrolled in our 16 universities across the state and at the NC School of Science and Mathematics. System Office staff is responsible for executing the policies of the UNC Board of Governors and providing University-wide leadership in the areas of academic affairs, business and financial management, long-range planning, student affairs, research, legal affairs, and government relations. The UNC System Office also has administrative oversight of a number of University affiliates, including PBS North Carolina, the North Carolina Arboretum, the NC State Education Assistance Authority, and University of North Carolina Press.

About the Team
The Finance and Administration division works as staff to the Board of Governors, president, and chief operating officer to support the financial management of the UNC System. This includes the areas of budget development and execution, facilities, property, capital construction, debt management, procurement policy, tuition and fee development, efficiency efforts, and analysis of policy changes with a fiscal impact.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Mid- to late-career with master's degree and 2- 4 yrs experience or bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience

Required Competencies
Experience with contracts and grants pre-award and/or post-award administration; and/or research administration.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills
At least 7 years of Higher Education experience in research administration including supervision of a team

• Classification: Finance/Budget Analyst III
• Appointment Type: Permanent
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Employment Type: EHRA
• EHRA Category: Exempt Professional Staff (EPS)
• Location: Raleigh, NC USA
• Position Number: G0020042
• Special Instructions to Applicants: The posting remains open until filled, but applications received by Wednesday, July 1, 2026, will received priority consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Other Information
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) 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.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.