Sponsored Projects Specialist (Proposals)

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

Job summary

University of Illinois Chicago is seeking a Sponsored Projects Specialist (Proposals) to provide administrative and analytical support for proposal development and post-award administration in Chicago, IL.

The role requires reviewing proposals for regulatory compliance, assisting with budget preparation, and acting as a liaison to funding agencies while ensuring adherence to sponsor guidelines and university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 1–3 years' experience in sponsored program administration.
• Knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 and FAR; fund accounting basics.

Responsibilities

• Review research proposals for regulatory compliance.
• Guide researchers on administrative, financial, and budgeting issues.
• Assist in developing policies for ERA and electronic proposal tools.
• Train and communicate requirements to campus personnel.

Skills

Proposal administration

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Kuali Coeus

Word

Excel

Grants.gov

Job description

Sponsored Projects Specialist (Proposals)

Chicago, IL, United States

Application Deadline: 9/25/2026

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, LifeInsurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Position Summary
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

Proposal Review/Administration

• 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.

Policies and Procedures Development/Implementation

• 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.

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 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. 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.