Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer

Details

Open Date 11/02/2026

Requisition Number PRN46650B

Job Title Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officers

Working Title Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer

Career Progression Track P00

Track Level P4 - Advanced, P3 - Career, P2 - Developing

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Opportunities for remote work may be available for candidates who reside in the State of Utah. Employees with an approved remote schedule are expected to provide their own home office space, internet connection, and have the ability to work independently. While most duties can be performed remotely, the employee must be available to attend essential meetings and events on campus as needed.

VP Area U of U Health - Academics

Department 02228 - Data Coordinating Center

Location Campus

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range 42,073 to 76,543

Close Date 02/02/2027

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officers

Under minimal supervision, the Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer ( GCO ) II/ III /IV in the Proposal Development Office within the Utah Data Coordinating Center ( DCC ) supports investigators and organizational leadership in all aspects of pre-award activities. This includes the development and submission of grant applications, industry-sponsored proposals, institutional MOUs, subcontracts, annual progress reports, and detailed budget preparation.

As a key member of the Proposal Development team, the GCO II/ III /IV collaborates with Business Development, Principal Investigators, DCC Finance and Operations Leaders to perform both administrative and technical functions related to securing external funding. The role provides expert guidance throughout the pre-award lifecycle, including proposal preparation, budget development, submission processes, proposal defense and iteration, post-submission activities, and the transition to post-award management.

This position is based at the Utah Data Coordinating Center ( DCC ), where collaboration drives innovation to advance science, improve society, and benefit humanity. The Utah DCC offers the opportunity to work alongside high-performing, cutting-edge teams dedicated to designing, managing, and improving complex multi-site research and technical assistance centers.

Candidates with a strong background in proposal development are encouraged to apply and contribute their expertise in a dynamic and supportive environment. The role fosters autonomy, creativity, and critical thinking, empowering team members to make meaningful contributions.

The Utah DCC also offers a structured career ladder for Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officers, along with robust opportunities for professional growth and development.

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

To learn more about the Utah DCC visithttp://uofuhealth.org/UtahDCC

Disclaimer:

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO )

Facilitate the grant process pre-award for the university. Coordinate cross-departmentally to research, prepare, finalize, submit, and follow-up on industry, foundation, and/or government grants. Research and draft proposals, develop budgets, and manage the submission process ensuring deadlines are met. Maintain records, and communicate with funders. Establish relationships with foundations and private contributors. This position is primarily responsible for pre-award grants and contracts activities.

Essential Functions:

1. Proficient with all the duties and responsibilities of a Grant and Contract Officer.

2. Leads and manages the proposal development process independently organizing, coordinating and completing proposals for a variety of sponsors. Works closely with department, financial, and research teams to define assignments, monitor assignment completion, obtain required documents, and provide leadership to proposal submission. Directs and participates in application assembly. Works with OSP to maximize funding opportunities and limit financial deviations. Asks questions/provides answers demonstrating greater depth of knowledge of University and sponsor requirements.

3. Works closely with the Utah DCC Post-Award Financial Management team to ensure that funded grants and contracts transition effectively from Pre- to Post-Award. Provides compliance-related guidance to the Post-Award Financial Teams and Project Teams through the lifetime of the award or contract.

4. Makes substantive contributions to training, process development, and Utah DCC resources. Serves as a liaison to sponsors.

5. Serves as a liaison between the Investigator and Research Administration entities throughout the University, including the Office of the Vice President for Research, Office of Sponsored Projects, Clinical Trials Office, Institutional Review Board, Technology & Venture Commercialization, etc.

6. Maintains current knowledge of expanding and changing federal, state, and University laws and requirements governing externally funded grants and contracts.

7. Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the Utah DCC or on special projects with minimal manager support.

8. Utilizes prior experiences to identify issues and offer guidance to others.

9. Consistently works on highly complex problems requiring independent action and decision-making. Must determine the best course of action to resolve problems and frequently make recommendations for improvement.

10. Knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with an in-depth understanding of the professional field.

11. Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the Utah DCC or on special projects with minimal manager support.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), II

Independently and with some basic oversight, completes various routine pre-award administration of research grants &/or contracts.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Developing-Level position in the General Professional track.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), III

Independently completes pre-award administration of research grants &/or contracts, including both basic and complex proposals.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), IV

This position is primarily responsible for pre-award grants and contracts activities.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

This is an Advanced-Level position in the General Professional track.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), II: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), III : Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer ( GCO ), IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

GCO II:

• Academic GCO experience strongly preferred.

• Two years’ experience working with federal or private funding agencies on grants, contracts (subcontracts), or other agreements, preferably within an academic or higher education complex.

• Significant knowledge, experience, and proficiency involving Pre-Award processes.

• Experience with preparing industry sponsored proposals.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines.

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both autonomously and in a team environment.

• Proficient communication and organizational skills.

Applicants will be screened according to the identified preferences.

GCO III :

• Four years’ experience working with federal or private funding agencies on grants, contracts (subcontracts), or other agreements, preferably within an academic or higher education complex.

• Significant knowledge, experience, and proficiency involving Pre-Award processes.

• Experience with preparing industry sponsored proposals.

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines.

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both autonomously and in a team environment.

• Proficient communication and organizational skills.

Applicants will be screened according to the identified preferences.

GCO IV:

• Ten to fifteen years of directly related experience involving grants and contracts.

• Extensive experience working with federal or private funding agencies on grants, contracts, or other agreements, preferably within an academic or higher education complex.

• Extensive knowledge, experience, and proficiency involving Pre-Award processes.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as effective organizational skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently both autonomously and in a team environment.

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Applicants will be screened according to the identified preferences.

Type Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the:University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

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As perUniversity of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.