Job Details

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer

Position Number: 7117778
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Sponsored Programs, Grants, and Contracts

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officer

Job Summary

Pre-Award Grants and Contracts Officers
Under minimal supervision, the Grants and Contracts Officer (GCO) 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 III/IV collaborates with Business Development, Principal Investigators, 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 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 visit http://uofuhealth.org/UtahDCC

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
Essential Functions:
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.

Proficient with all the duties and responsibilities of a Grant and Contract Officer II.
Leads and manages the proposal development process independently 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.
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.
Makes substantive contributions to training, process development, and unit resources. Serves as a liaison to sponsors.
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.
Maintains current knowledge of expanding and changing federal, state, and University laws and requirements governing externally funded grants and contracts.
Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the unit or on special projects with minimal manager support.
Utilizes prior experiences to identify issues and offer guidance to others.
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.
Knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with an in-depth understanding of the professional field.
Leading in collaborative work with other teams in the unit or on special projects with minimal manager support.

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer (GCO), III
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4years of directly related work experience.
This is a Career-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P27613
Grade: P16
Expected Pay Range: $50,909 to $77,166

Pre-Award Grants & Contract Officer (GCO), IV
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 6years of directly related work experience.
This is an Advanced-Level position in the General Professional track.
Job Code: P27614
Grade: P17
Expected Pay Range: $56,000 to $84,882

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), 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 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.

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN44865B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
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.
Department: 02228 - Data Coordinating Center
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 50,909 to 84,882
Close Date: 7/27/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/200842