The Opportunity
As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds , perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all . Cornell Core values
As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture .
While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell . These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success
About the College
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Under the direction of the Assistant Director/Team Lead and Grant and Contract Officers of the CALS Office of Pre-Award Services, in collaboration with eligible Principal Investigators (PIs), the Research Administration Assistant provides support for pre-award sponsored projects and other restricted proposal submissions as required .
This position functions within a Grant Proposal Team (GPT) supporting upwards of 20 academic departments that, combined, submits over 1,200 proposals per year . In collaboration with the Department and PI, ensures that all proposals comply fully with college, university, and agency-specific policy guidelines and promotes the PI’s final submission according to CALS policy deadlines . Coordinates and serves as liaison to CALS Grant & Contract Officers (GCOs), Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), Administrative Managers (AMs), department chairs, agency representatives and PIs to respond to pre-award related issues and questions during the proposal preparation and submission process.
CALS Office of Pre-Award Services (OPAS) assists in the execution of over 1,200 proposals and applications annually which reflect the superior quality and robust competitiveness of Cornell University research. OPAS’ mission is to:
1. Provide pre-award support to principal investigators and supported departments and colleges during the proposal development process from concept to submission.
2. Build proposal budgets in a format which communicates the costs associated with a project in a clear and uncomplicated manner which address the considerations of post-award accounting practices and policies.
3. Understand and communicate sponsor, university, college, and department procedures and policies.
4. Work closely with colleagues at the Cornell…