Communication and Liaison
The Pre-Award team supports faculty, departmental staff and administrators by coordinating communication with sponsor contacts, General Counsel and UMKC administrative units. We ensure proposal requirements, internal approvals and compliance obligations are met efficiently, providing clear and timely updates throughout the pre-award process.
Communication and liaison support
Purpose of support
- Facilitate smooth communication between UMKC researchers and external sponsors
- Ensure compliance with institutional, legal and sponsor requirements
- Streamline administrative processes for efficient proposal submission and review
Sponsor communication
- Serve as primary point of contact for sponsor pre-award inquiries
- Clarify sponsor guidelines, eligibility requirements and deadlines
- Coordinate responses to sponsor requests for additional information or documentation
Liaison with General Counsel
- Route contract language, terms and conditions for legal review
- Communicate investigator and sponsor concerns related to legal agreements
- Facilitate resolution of negotiation issues between sponsors and UMKC legal counsel
Coordination with UMKC administrative units and departmental support staff
- Collaborate with Research Administration, Compliance and Finance to align proposal requirements
- Work closely with departmental research administrators and support staff to gather necessary documents and approvals
- Ensure internal approvals, certifications and conflict-of-interest disclosures are completed accurately and on time
- Provide timely updates to departments, support staff and other stakeholders on proposal status and sponsor requirements
Documentation and recordkeeping
- Maintain records of sponsor communications and internal approvals
- Share relevant updates and finalized agreements with stakeholders
Customer service orientation
- Act as a resource for principal investigators, departmental staff and administrators
- Promote clear, timely and professional communication at all stages of the pre-award process