Proposal Assistant
Listed on 2026-03-07
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Administrative/Clerical
Office Administrator/ Coordinator, Business Administration -
Business
Office Administrator/ Coordinator, Business Administration
We are searching for an analytical and detail-oriented Proposal Assistant to join the Pricing and Proposal Office in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Proposal Assistant supports the submission of research proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies; works closely with the proposal and award team; ensures that all administrative components of grant proposals are accurate, complete, and submitted on time;
and provides support for post award management and tracking.
ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:- Assist in the preparation and formatting of proposal documents including budgets, biosketches, current and pending support, and other required forms
- Gather necessary documentation for proposal submissions
- Review and compile complete proposal packages, ensuring adherence to sponsor guidelines and University policies
- Maintain proposal files, including tracking submission timelines, approvals, and post-submission documentation
- Assist in the receiving, logging, tracking, scanning, and distribution of awards
- Enter and manage proposal data in electronic research administration systems
- Assist with monitoring funds for line-item balances and overall balances
- Provide support in the creation of budget documents for award modifications, revisions, and other budget adjustments
- Serve as a liaison between investigators and research support offices, providing updates and clarifying submission requirements
- Explain procedures, forms and formats, definitions, and other requirements for the preparation and submission of budgets
- Assist in developing tools, templates, and guidance materials for proposal preparation
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
- Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
- Past success managing multiple projects, initiatives, and tasks with strict deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to work through difficult problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
- Demonstrated ability to adapt and adjust quickly and effectively to changing priorities and demands of a fast-paced environment
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Your working location will be hybrid on-site/work from home located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. Occasional travel may be required to other ARL locations outside of State College, PA.
Minimum Education , Work Experience & Required CertificationsAssociate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required
Certifications:
None.
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site .psu.edu.
Background Checks/ClearancesEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
Salary& Benefits
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00. THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a…
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