Job Duties
Virginia State University is seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Research Administrator to join the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs. This position supports both the pre-award and post-award lifecycle of sponsored programs, including proposal development, budget preparation, and the financial and administrative management of awarded projects. The Research Administrator ensures compliance with university policies and sponsor requirements and serves a as a critical liaison between faculty, departmental staff, and external funding agencies.
Pre-Award Responsibilities (25%):
Work with Principal Investigators (PIs) to develop and review budgets for grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines and institutional policies.
Assist in the preparation and submission of proposals using sponsor-specific portals (e.g., Research.gov) or the university’s grant management system.
Interpret and communicate sponsor requirements to faculty and staff during proposal development.
Coordinate the internal routing and approval process for all proposals submitted through the university.
Post-Award Responsibilities (75%):
Set up new awards in Cayuse and Banner following sponsor award notification and internal approvals.
Collaborate with PIs and departmental staff to monitor project budgets and expenditures throughout the life of the award.
Ensure expenditures comply with award terms, federal regulations (e.g., Uniform Guidance), and institutional policies.
Track and process cost transfers, effort certifications, budget modifications, and no-cost extensions.
Assist in managing subawards, ensuring compliance with flow-down terms and required reporting.
Provide guidance to faculty and staff regarding post-award processes and financial management best practices.
Ensure continuity of service throughout the award lifecycle.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
At least 2 years of experience in research administration, financial management, or grant accounting.
Demonstrated experience in budget preparation and proposal submission processes.
Proficiency with grant management systems, particularly Cayuse and Banner.
Knowledge of federal grant regulations, including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance).
Familiarity with state and federal agency guidelines including NIH, NSF, USDA, and DOE.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
*Virginia State University requires that faculty be appropriately credentialed to teach assigned courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. VSU demonstrates compliance with its Faculty Credentialing Policy #2301 for all applicable education, experience, licensure and certification requirements in the selection and hiring of its faculty.
Additional Considerations
Certified Research Administrator (CRA)
Experience working in a university or public research institution
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
You must include a current resume/c.v. and a letter of interest in your application. Three (3) letters of recommendation and official transcripts will be required before hire. (faculty only)
Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.
The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.
Contact Information
Name: Boatemaa Nyarko-Brentuo
Phone: 804-524-5083
Email: bnyarko-
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.