Sponsored Projects Specialist (Contracts)

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago, IL is seeking a Sponsored Projects Specialist (Contracts) to review and approve awards and agreements and to ensure proper setup of sponsored project accounts.

You will serve as a liaison between the university and funding agencies, interpret sponsor terms, support investigators, and help develop ERA policies while providing training and guidance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; 1-3 years' experience in sponsored program administration.
• Knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200, FAR/DFAR, EAR and ITAR; basic fund accounting principles.
• Experience with ERA and sponsored program policies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and administer awards/agreements per guidelines and set up sponsored project accounts.
• Advise faculty on sponsor policies and ensure compliance approvals.
• Develop training and provide updates on ERA and related procedures.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree/JD preferred

Tools

Word

Excel

Adobe

Kuali Coeus

Job description

Sponsored Projects Specialist (Contracts)

Hiring Department: Office of Sponsored Programs - Contracts

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041586

Posting Close Date: August 14, 2026

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

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 over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Awards and Agreements Review/Administration - 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.


• Policies and Procedures Development/Implementation - 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.


• Training/Workshops/Seminars - 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.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree required.


2. 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.


3. 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 2OO), 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.

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.

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.