Proposal Analyst Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Boulder, Colorado

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The mission of the Office of Contracts and Grants ("OCG") is to, throughout the lifecycle of an award, partner with the University of Colorado Boulder ("University") faculty including Principal Investigators ("PIs"), staff including Department Research Administrators ("DRAs"), and students to obtain and manage external support for sponsored activities through our specialized regulatory and organizational expertise. OCG is committed to protecting the University's interests by reviewing and approving the submission of sponsored project proposals; negotiating contract and grant awards; supervising the implementation and administration of sponsored projects; initiating and implementing policies and procedures; providing training to PIs and DRAs; and serving as the University's liaison with Sponsors and regulatory agencies. OCG commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and inclusion in all that we do. 

Proposal Preparation and Review:

• Advising faculty members on the appropriate response to funding opportunities and possible alternate sources of funding.
• Reviewing and interpreting proposal guidelines and sponsor expectations.
• Preparing application packages in sponsor systems.
• Reviewing and analyzing proposals to ensure compliance with federal, non-federal and state rules and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures.
• Validating all proposal requirements have been met in preparation for submission by sponsor's deadline.
• Advising University faculty and other personnel on procedures for matters including, but not limited to, allowability of costs, transfer of costs among budget categories, and procedures for effective award management.
• Demonstrated ability to independently analyze information to identify proposal specific issues, define problems, and formulate and deliver resolutions for successful proposal submission.
• Ability to make independent decisions and enforce policies and regulations as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a larger volume and more complex workload than that required at the Step 2 level.

Budget Creation and Review:

• Developing proposal budgets that follow federal, non-federal and state rules and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures.
• Use Excel functions for budget creation using OCG's Cost Estimation Tool.
• Entering budget details into sponsor formatted budget templates.
• Reviewing and editing budget justification narratives to align with budget specifications.
• Providing budget support in analyzing cost allowability, allocability, reasonableness and consistency.
• Offering budget specific trainings to new hires and campus partners as needed.

Project Analysis:

• Addressing compliance issues (e.g. IRB, IACUC, COI) prior to proposal submission or under "just in time" guidelines.
• Ensuring University commitments are proper, documented, and approved.
• Resolving legal, administrative, and financial problems at proposal preparation and prior to the receipt of an award.
• Identifying problematic Terms and Conditions and determining appropriate method of review.
• Distinguishing between standard submissions and submissions requiring additional approvals (e.g. Service Activities, Public Outreach, F&A Considerations).
• Conducting analysis of project considerations and associated risk.
• Offering solutions for risk mitigation.
• Advising on policies and procedures to ensure project compliance.

Signature Authority:

• Signing and submitting proposals, as an Authorized Organizational Representative, on behalf of the University.
• Signing and submitting standard and non-standard Representations and Certifications, as an Authorized Organizational Representative, on behalf of the University.
• Determining appropriate signing authority for non-proposal actions.

Special Initiatives:

• Establishing additional foundational knowledge as a Proposal Analyst by exploring supplementary trainings and professional development opportunities.
• Exploring Research Administration concepts beyond pre-award.
• Providing formal and informal training to faculty members and campus partners.
• Volunteering for committees, special projects, and working groups.
• Participating in Hiring Committees on behalf of OCG.
• Representing OCG at campus and off-campus functions.
• Participating in trainings offered by Research Administration associations such as NCURA or SRA.
• Presenting at and participating in professional association activities.

Project Management:

• Procuring and analyzing Sub-recipient documentation.
• Setting appropriate timelines for document completion.
• Ensuring budget appropriateness to scope of work.
• Managing relationships in accordance with appropriate procurement arrangements for anticipated services.
• Guiding faculty through vendor vs sub-recipient determination.
• Assisting with structure when FFRDCs are involved.
• Providing guidance on appropriateness of foreign collaborations and required documentation.

Other Related Duties:

• Ensuring accurate and timely proposal entry into the University's electronic research administration system.
• Completing budget revisions and negotiations, providing additional documentation and justification, and completing standard Representations and Certifications prior to an award.
• Attending professional development trainings to stay current with best practices.
• Collaborating independently with campus partners in support of their research and creative goals.
• Providing recommendations for process improvement, policy initiation and definition, and solutions to complex problems.
• Training of both OCG and other campus personnel.

• The work modality for this position is hybrid or full-time remote based on the selected candidate's needs.
• We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

The annual hiring range for this full-time position is $74,400-$79,000.

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.
• 3+ years of pre-award research administration experience, developing and submitting proposals to both federal and non-federal sponsors including budget development for sponsored projects.
• Experience with Federal and non-federal proposal guidelines and submission systems.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Proficiency in Electronic Research Administration systems.
• Demonstrated use of Excel to create sponsored project budgets.
• Ability to understand and communicate the needs, goals, and objectives of clients to sponsors and partners to ensure a successful project.
• Ability to understand and communicate policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing sponsored projects.
• Customer service skills appropriate for a fast-paced, high-volume, dynamic and intellectually challenging work environment.
• Ability to prioritize a variety of projects and their timelines using exceptional time management skills.

• Experience in a leadership position (for example, developing policies, leading a working group, supervision, or facilitating a training).
• 5+ years of pre-award research administration experience, developing and submitting proposals to both federal and non-federal sponsors including budget development for sponsored projects.
• Experience managing a high volume of proposal submissions.
• Active participation in research administration professional development activities (for example, NCURA, SRAI, or CRA).

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 2nd, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.