Customer Service Associate

Customer Service Specialist - Office of Sponsored Programs Chicago, IL, United States Posted on: 7/29/2026 - Application Deadline: 8/1/2026 Customer Service Specialist - Office of Sponsored Programs Hiring Department : Office of Sponsored Programs Location : Chicago, IL USA Requisition ID : 1041546 FTE : 0.40 Appointment : Part-Time Work Schedule : Monday - Friday Shift : Days # of Positions : 1 Workplace Type : Hybrid Posting Close Date : 08/01/2026 Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $30.07 - 31.29 / Hourly Wage About the University of Illinois Chicago UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago. The Customer Service Specialist in the Office of Sponsored Programs (Pre-Award) is responsible for maintaining communications for Grants and Contracts, including data entry into UIeRA, ORS Web, and Kuali Coeus. Complete and execute the documents, and send congratulatory correspondence. Duties & Responsibilities Enters data in UIeRA, ORS Web, and Kuali Coeus. Provides communication compliance, supporting checks and balances for Quality Assurance. Provides administrative and clerical support to pre-award contract negotiators. Process correspondence for negotiators, including contracts, letters, memos, and award notices. Assists in the contract and grant proposal routing and review process, which includes assigning a number, routing for signatures, typing, and packaging for specialized mailing and daily filing. Assists faculty and other research staff by screening questions and referring individuals to appropriate staff within the Office of Sponsored Programs. Responsible for ascertaining the appropriate information from the individuals coming into the department in order to adequately assess their needs and provide them with the necessary information. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Required High school diploma or equivalent. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories: A. college coursework in business administration, communications, public relations or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) B. responsible work experience in customer services, public relations, office administration, business and financial operations, healthcare administration or other closely related experience One (1) year (12 months) of work experience comparable to that gained as a Customer Service Representative High school diploma or equivalent. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the following categories: A. college coursework in business administration, communications, public relations or a closely related field as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months) B. responsible work experience in customer services, public relations, office administration, business and financial operations, healthcare administration or other closely related experience One (1) year (12 months) of work experience comparable to that gained as a Customer Service Representative Knowledge of the federal regulations and guidelines related to research administration such as Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (\"Uniform Guidance\"). Knowledge of basic computer systems (MS Word, Excel, Adobe, and other database applications) and web-based applications. Ability to work under deadline-driven pressures and prioritize workload. Ability to work as part of a team. Strong customer service orientation and attention to detail are critical to this position. Excellent business writing, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential. Knowledge of commonly used research grant and contract terminology and funding agencies. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Looking for more University of Illinois positions? We invite you to search for positions at each of the University of Illinois locations, the University of Illinois System Office and the University of Illinois Foundation. The University of Illinois System Office supports the primary missions of teaching, research, public service, and economic development for all of the Universities and offers positions in all locations. The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving agency for the University of Illinois and also offers position in all locations. Click the links below to search for other University of Illinois positions. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, covid sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. #J-18808-Ljbffr