The University of Illinois at Chicago seeks an experienced Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) for the Office of Sponsored Programs. This position performs professional level duties related to the review and approval of proposals for and acceptance of all awards/agreements received in support of sponsored program activities for the Chicago, Peoria and Rockford campuses of the University of Illinois. Serve as a liaison between the university and agency on award and contract-related financial and administrative issues.

Awards and Agreements Review/Administration

• Review and submit proposal applications (including budget adherent to applicable University, State, Federal and Sponsor guidelines and requirements).
• Interpret, negotiate, and recommend acceptance of awards/agreements on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois.
• Evaluate and interpret award documents for the appropriate set-up in establishing sponsored project account. Route fully executed Awards/Agreements to the Office of Sponsored Projects –Post Award to ensure proper account set up.
• Prior to proposal submission, guide and support investigators and staff in preparation and submission of proposals to various sponsors including federal and non-profit funding agencies.
• Route awards/agreements to the appropriate University official/faculty/academic unit staff to ensure necessary approvals are obtained and the Awards/Agreements are executed on a timely basis.
• Provide faculty and academic unit staff information concerning the status of proposal applications and Awards/Agreements throughout the development, negotiation and approval process. Provide notification when the necessary approvals are obtained.

Policies and Procedures Development/Implementation

• Implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with sponsor rules and regulations.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies relating to Electronic Research Administration (ERA), i.e., NSF FastLane and other electronic proposal routing and approval programs and contract negotiation.
• Advise faculty and academic unit staff on sponsor polices and procedure and the rules and regulations of the University, including changes thereto, policies and procedures as they apply to Awards/Agreements.

Training/Workshops/Seminars

• Participate in and/or develop training, workshops and seminars on issues related to sponsored project administration. Assist in preparation of educational materials and communications related to research administration and sponsored project activity. Work with department leadership to provide updated information on the OVCR website related to sponsored program and electronic research administration policies and procedures.

Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree required. Master’s degree/JD preferred. Certification as active Certified Research Administrator (CRA) orcomparable certificate preferred.

Knowledge of the federal regulations and guidelines that govern the conduct of research such as Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for federal Awards (2 CFR Part 2OO), FAR and DFAR clauses and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Basic understanding of fund accounting principles.

One to three years’ experience in sponsored program administration, preferably at an institution of higher education and in central or department administration office, office of sponsored programs, office of research administration, university or medical center setting, or federal grant-making agency.

Strong computer knowledge of basic information systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, and other databaseapplications) and web applications. Fluency in Kuali Coeus research administration applications preferred.

Demonstrated excellent communication (written and verbal), interpersonal and problem-solving skills.Ability to lead, participate in and constructively contribute to a team environment. Demonstrated success in working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams of external /sponsor and internal individuals.APPLICA