Associate Proposal Coordinator (Development), Office of Sponsored Programs: UTIA

University of Tennessee tennessee.edu Open · verified Sep 23, 2026

Knoxville Full-time Mid-level Revenue & Sales Operations

At a glance

Mid-level Revenue & Sales Operations role at University of Tennessee. Knoxville · full-time · $57,500–$65,000 base.

SalaryStated by University of Tennessee

$57,500 – $65,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

RoleRevenue & Sales Operations

SeniorityMid-level

LocationKnoxville

EmploymentFull-time

Base pay$57,500–$65,000

PostedSep 22, 2026 · 1d ago

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Analyze funding notices and guide faculty through application preparation
Start Cayuse proposals and assemble complete packages for final submission
Build project budgets with faculty and business managers around each statement of work
Coordinate support documents, review packages, and set milestones for compliant submissions
Advise Institute stakeholders on sponsored-program budgets and procedures

What you bring

A bachelor’s degree plus at least three years in a professional office, or a master’s degree plus two years
Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills, with professional writing and sound analytical judgment
Ability to juggle priorities, protect confidential information, and meet urgent deadlines independently or with a team
Legal authorization to work full time in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship

Who this fits

You’ll fit this role if you can support faculty, business managers, and project teams through detailed, deadline-driven proposal work. The position may be fully remote, in person, or hybrid. It suits someone comfortable applying university policies and federal regulations while handling confidential proposals, budgets, salaries, and related issues.

From the employer

The Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is seeking a full-time Associate Proposal Coordinator (Development) to provide essential technical support and assistance to faculty and staff in preparing applications for external funding. OSP 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.

The ideal candidate will play a key role in the proposal preparation process, working closely with faculty and staff to ensure the timely and accurate submission of funding applications. 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.

Join us in making a meaningful impact at The University of Tennessee.

(Hiring multiple positions)

The position involves providing technical support and assistance to faculty members to advance the Institute’s research, education, and extension missions.

Key responsibilities include analyzing Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) from funding agencies, offering guidance on proposal preparation, initiating Cayuse proposals, and preparing comprehensive final proposal submission packages for various funding opportunities.

The role requires close collaboration with faculty and business managers to develop project budgets that align with the statement of work.

Additionally, the position works alongside project team members to prepare necessary support documents, such as conflict of interest statements, biosketches, and current and pending support documents, ensuring compliance with sponsor guidelines.

The position is also responsible for coordinating and meticulously reviewing proposal packages to ensure financial and administrative compliance.

Establishing internal completion milestones to guarantee timely and compliant proposal submissions is a key part of the role.

Furthermore, the position will provide ongoing support to Institute stakeholders on budgetary and procedural matters related to sponsored programs.

Required Qualifications:

Minimum 3 years’ experience working in a professional office environment with a Bachelor’s degree, or 2 years’ experience working in a professional office environment with a Master's degree.
Graduate work or Graduate Assistantship experience may be considered toward required experience.

Minimum Required Skills and 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.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

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 (Research.gov, Grants.gov, ezFedGrants, eRA Commons, etc.).
Working knowledge of Cayuse or Huron research administration systems.

Work Location:

This position can be fully remote, in-person, or hybrid.

Compensation and Benefits:

UT market range: 11
Anticipated hiring range: The anticipated salary range for an Associate Proposal Coordinator is $57,500 to $65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
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 below materials before October 6, 2026.

Please apply online with a cover letter and resume.

About The College/Department/Division:

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.