Sponsored Projects Specialist (Proposals)

Hiring Department: Office of Sponsored Programs - Pre-Award • Location: Chicago, IL USA • Posting closes: 5/15/2026

About the role

The Sponsored Projects Specialist (SPS) will provide administrative and analytical support for proposal development and submission and non-financial post-award administration to ensure University-sponsored projects comply with regulatory requirements and adhere to University, federal, state, and private sponsor guidelines. The SPS will assist with proposal preparation, including budget preparation and documentation, and conduct a comprehensive analysis of incoming proposals to determine campus resource commitments, proposal completeness, and conformity to University and sponsor regulations. The SPS will have delegated authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University and serve as the liaison to funding agencies, interpreting program guidelines and communicating them to campus personnel through training and other forms of outreach.

Responsibilities

• Review research proposals to ensure institutional compliance with applicable governmental regulations and policies.
• Provide guidance and expertise to researchers on administrative, financial, and budgeting issues related to funding opportunities, grants, and contracts.
• Interpret sponsor guidelines and submit proposal applications for external funding to sponsoring agencies.
• Act as liaison for the University to sponsors, faculty, and staff.
• Pursue continuing education on issues and developments in the field of research administration.
• Develop and 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), including NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, NSF Research.gov, and other electronic proposal routing and approval programs.
• Advise faculty and academic unit staff on sponsor policies and University procedures as they apply to Sponsored Research, including changes thereto.
• 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 activities.
• Work with the Assistant/Associate Director to update the OVCR website with the latest information on 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 in a 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 Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Basic understanding of fund accounting principles.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Certification as active Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or comparable certificate.
• Strong computer knowledge of basic information systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, and other database applications) and web applications.
• Fluency in Kuali Coeus research administration applications (a plus).
• 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.

Benefits

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

Pay

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