Sponsored Projects Specialist (Proposals)

Sponsored Projects Specialist

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. The SPS will conduct a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of incoming proposals to determine the extent of campus resource commitments, completeness of proposal and budget, and conformity of proposal to University and sponsor regulations, policies, and requirements. The SPS will have delegated authority to submit proposals on behalf of the University. The SPS will serve as the liaison to funding agencies, interpret program guidelines, policies, and eligibility requirements, and communicate to campus personnel through training presentations and other forms of communication.

Duties & 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.
• Acts 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), i.e., 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 procedures and the rules and regulations of the University policies and 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 Guidance 2 CFR Part 200 and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). Basic understanding of fund accounting principles.

Preferred 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.

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. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

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.