Grants and Contracts Administrator

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Description:

• Works with faculty and program staff, and other administrators to advise on, plan, and manage financial aspects of sponsored project proposal preparation and submission including budgeting and subcontracting.

• Performs compliance review of all proposals for adherence to University, agency, and federal requirements.

• Coordinates active grant management activities, including submission of progress reports, non-competing applications, amendments, technical reports, just-in time submissions, no-cost extensions, agency required re-budgeting, carry-over requests, Data Use Agreements, and Material Transfer Agreements.

• Communicates and collaborates with URA to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full grant life cycle.

• Advises faculty, program staff, procurement specialists, and other administrators on policies and procedures for fulfilling all aspects of the procurement process including purchasing, internal requisition, and personal and travel reimbursement.

• Performs financial accounting, including financial projections, account closing and account reconciliation.

• Provides professional support as a primary account administrator for account owners, primarily faculty, in an intensive customer service environment.

• Analyzes and prepares budgets, creates accounts, and works with the financial accounting system to allocate, authorize, monitor, and control expenses.

• Oversees gift and endowment accounts, departmental operating accounts and faculty unrestricted research accounts.

• Handles straightforward post-award activities including account creations, regulatory and compliance monitoring, salary allocations, effort reporting, grant projections, cost allocations, cost center charges, equipment inventory, invoice preparation, grant closing process, and account closing.

• Prepares summaries of grants and effort allocations for Principal Investigators, meets with them and responds to their questions. Coordinates with other departments/units/divisions regarding multi-investigator grants. Serves as department contact for annual audits and agency site visits.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ

• Previous experience with financial services or sponsored projects.

• Knowledge of Federal Circulars applicable to universities (OMB A-21, A-110, A-133 or the Uniform Guidance) or interpretation of similar regulations.

• Previous experience with systems used to manage grant submissions.

• Working knowledge of University systems such as AURA, Oracle, Orbit, and Workday.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Excel).

• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Budgeting and financial accounting skills.

• Ability to work independently to manage a diverse range of activities and deadlines.

• Time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally and diplomatically with individuals from across the division and university.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

• Ability to understand and interpret university, federal and non-federal grants and contract guidelines, policies, and procedures.

• Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in client-service environment.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, including handling salary information as part of proposal budgets.

• Diplomatic and customer service-based approach to interacting with colleagues and others.

• Ability to work effectively as a part of a team.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References (preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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