Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
CMNS - Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) is a joint center of the University of Maryland and NASA ‘s Goddard Space Flight Center that supports research, teaching and career training in Earth system science. ESSIC also administers the Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS), a joint center with NOAA’ s NCEP and NESDIS that conducts satellite research focused on weather and water forecasting models and predictions. By fostering close integration within the university community and among federal partners at NASA and NOAA, ESSIC serves as a unique collaboration hub within the national Earth System Science research community.
ESSIC is seeking to hire an individual that is highly organized and personable professional with exceptional attention to detail to join our ESSIC Business Office. The position will be onsite for the first six (6) months during the training period. Then a performance evaluation will be conducted to evaluate for a hybrid schedule of two days teleworking option.
The Pre-Award Research Coordinator will report directly to the Proposal Manager and will be primarily responsible for all pre-award proposal submissions. Sub-award, and financial management may be included. Job duties include, but are not limited to:
• Oversee the preparation of sponsored research proposals for the department, working directly with the Proposal Manager and Professional Track Faculty (PTK) to develop research proposals, including preparing budgets and other cost estimates, collating subaward documents, and handling non-technical documents.
• Ensure all aspects of proposal development and budgets comply with sponsor, federal, and UMD regulations.
• Enter proposals into electronic submission platforms, including but not limited to Kuali Research, NSPIRES, and Grants.gov Workspace.
• Support the Proposal Manager in maintaining internal proposal tracking systems and communications with the Office of Research Administration (ORA).
• Handle daily proposal inquiries and perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. May sit in front of the computer monitor for extended periods of time. Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion
PREFERENCES
• Work experience in higher education and sponsored research.
• Two years’ experience in research administration (e.g. proposal preparation and/or administration at a research university)
• Knowledge of state and university policies, procedures, federal grant compliance guidelines
• Knowledge of government/higher education general accounting, procurement and travel regulations.
• Skills in analyzing Request for Proposals (RFP), solicitations and budget preparation
• Proficient with BA4/Priority, Workday, Kuali Research, Grants.gov – Workspace, NSF Research.gov, NASA NSPIRES
• Experience in subaward management.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year of professional research or proposal development experience.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of research administration procedures and proposal development.
Knowledge of federal grant compliance and OMB Circulars A-21, A-110, and A-133.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.
Additional Job Details
Required Application Materials:
Cover Letter, Resume, List of 3 References
Best Consideration Date:
October 13, 2025
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
CMNS-Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$62,000 to $65,000 Annually
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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