Sponsored Projects Specialist (Contracts)

Hiring Department: Office of Sponsored Programs - Contracts • Location: Chicago, IL USA • Posting closes August 14, 2026

About the Role

This position performs professional-level duties related to the review and approval of 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.

Responsibilities

• Review agreements (including adherence 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 a sponsored project account. Route fully executed Awards/Agreements to the Office of Sponsored Projects – Post Award to ensure proper account setup.
• Guide and support investigators and staff in reviewing various sponsors' terms and conditions, including federal and nonprofit funding agencies.
• Route awards/agreements to the appropriate University official/faculty/academic unit staff to ensure necessary compliance approvals are obtained and the Awards/Agreements are executed on a timely basis.
• Provide faculty and academic unit staff information concerning the status of Awards/Agreements throughout the negotiation and approval process. Provide notification when the necessary approvals are obtained.
• Implement policies and standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with sponsor rules and regulations.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies relating to Electronic Research Administration (ERA).
• Advise faculty and academic unit staff on sponsor policies and procedures and the rules and regulations of the University, including changes thereto, policies, and procedures as they apply to Awards/Agreements.
• Participate in and/or develop training, workshops, and seminars on issues related to sponsored project administration.
• Assist in preparing 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 programs and electronic research administration policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 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.
• 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 200), FAR and DFAR clauses and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
• Basic understanding of fund accounting principles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree/JD preferred.
• Certification as active Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or comparable certificate preferred.
• Strong computer knowledge of basic information systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, and other database applications) 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.

Pay

The budgeted salary range for the position is $70,000 to $85,000.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid time Off
• Tuition waivers for employees and dependents