Job Details

Senior Proposal Coordinator

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture seeks a full-time Senior Proposal Coordinator to provide technical support and assistance to faculty and staff in the preparation of applications for external funding. OSP strives to provide the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators by facilitating proposal preparation and submission; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting contracts; and managing awards. In addition, OSP ensures compliance with federal and state laws and UT policies, to clarify submission procedures and processing of awards for external sponsored program funds and to ensure a uniform administrative process.

OSP is committed to the professional development of its team and supports and encourages attendance to NCURA, SRA and other member organizations pertinent to the research administration field.

The anticipated salary range for a Senior Proposal Coordinator is $66,796.74 to $80,000.

THIS POSITION CAN BE FULLY REMOTE, IN-PERSON, OR HYBRID.

Responsibilities

The position entails providing technical support and assistance to faculty members in furtherance of the Institute's research, education, and extension missions. Key duties include analyzing requests for applications (RFAs) from funding agencies, offering expert guidance on proposal preparation, and initiating Cayuse proposals across diverse funding opportunities. The position will collaborate closely with faculty and business managers to develop project budgets that align with the statement of work. The position will work closely with the project team members to prepare required support documents, such as conflict of interest, biosketch, and current and pending documents, in accordance with sponsor guidelines. Additionally, the role entails coordinating and meticulously reviewing proposal packages for financial and administrative compliance, including large multi-year, multi-investigator proposals. Position will be responsible for establishing internal completion milestones to ensure timely and compliant submissions. The position will also deliver support and training to Institute stakeholders on budgetary and procedural matters pertinent to sponsored programs.

The position will provide proposal review and approval for junior staff members in the absence of the Assistant Director of Proposals and/or during heavy deadlines and will serve as a mentor and resource for junior staff members.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree
• Experience: 6 years relevant to research administration/sponsored programs with a Bachelor's degree, or 4 years relevant to research administration/sponsored programs with a Master's degree. Graduate work or Graduate Assistantship experience may be considered toward required experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Skilled with Microsoft Office tools, in particular Excel. Able to manage competing priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines. Proficient professional writing skills for drafting correspondence. Demonstrate critical analysis abilities, adeptness in relating information to specific circumstances, and exercise judgment in the application of both University policies and federal regulations. Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work individually and in a team environment under stressful and time-sensitive conditions. Ability to prioritize. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding proposals, budgets, personnel salaries, and issues.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree
• Experience: Certified Research Administrator preferred
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Working knowledge of Federal funding requirements under Uniform Guidance 2 CFR Part 200. Working knowledge of University sponsored programs and fiscal policies and procedures. Skilled in interpreting and explaining federal regulations related to externally funded sponsored programs and knowledgeable of the requirements of state, federal, private and nonprofit funding agencies. Proficient in using sponsor specific submission systems with the ability to train others (Research.gov, Grants.gov, ezFedGrants, eRA Commons, etc.). Working knowledge of Cayuse or Huron research administration systems.

Work Location: Knoxville, Tennessee fully remote available

Compensation and Benefits: UT market range: MR13. Anticipated hiring range: $66,796.74 - $80,000. Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here. Find more information on UT Benefits here.

Application Instructions: For best consideration, applicants should submit the materials below before 11/17/2025.

• Please apply online with a cover letter, resume, and complete contact information of three professional references.

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of support to faculty, staff, and research administrators by facilitating proposal preparation and submission; reviewing, negotiating, and accepting contracts; and managing awards. Additionally, OSP ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as university policies.

OSP is committed to the ongoing professional development of its team and actively supports attendance at organizations such as NCURA, SRAI, and other research administration associations.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employeesthe Volunteerswho uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!