Grants and Contracts Associate
University of Illinois

Job Info

Grants & Contracts Associate

Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering/Department of Human Development and Family Studies
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

WE TRANSFORM LIVES. Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people of the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.

This role presents a unique opportunity to support two units in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Studies; the departments of Agricultural & Biological Engineering and Human Development & Family Studies. Under departmental administrative direction, this ideal candidate will perform activities related to the complete lifecycle of sponsored program administration. Typical activities will include assisting with proposal drafting and submission, sub-award drafting and submission, pre-award and post-award administration (both financial and non-financial) of grants, awards and contracts that provide assistance for research, and general financial activities.

Responsibilities:

• Pre-Award (50%)

o Prepare and submit proposals to various federal and non-federal sponsors, including preparing, reviewing and submitting budgets, budget justifications, scope of work, current and pending support, biographical sketches, and other proposal materials ensuring compliance with solicitation guidelines and University policies. Work with faculty and PI's to set appropriate timelines for the proposal submission process in

o Serve as a liaison to the Sponsored Programs Administration office (SPA) and acts as a first point of contact with SPA, answering questions and resolving issues with proposals.

o Assist with grant/contract negotiations, as necessary, with the faculty PI and unit.

• Award Management (35%)

o Learn the functions that allow collaboration with faculty and principal investigators on the management of their funded research projects, programs, and accounts, including preparation of financial forecasts, as necessary.

o Assist with grant account set up, management, budgeting, subaward billing, billing and close-out activities, as necessary. Work closely with the Office of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) to ensure reporting deadlines are met. This may require providing financial reporting to SPA as requested.

o Complete regular review of accounts, take appropriate action to transfer unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source, including complex corrections and adjustments to sponsor projects, and process labor redistributions and journal vouchers.

o Assist the units and principal investigators with the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process for sponsored projects and Federal Hatch projects to obtain certifications in a timely manner, ensuring deadlines are met. Prepare budget requests to SPA to establish explosion funds for co-principal investigators on sponsored projects. Request anticipation funds for awarded sponsored projects and make requests to use expired funds. Request no cost extensions, budget revisions, and other questions that may arise regarding sponsored program activity.

• Operations and General Financial Activities (10%)

o Assist with departmental procurement requests (requisitions, purchase orders, standing orders, P-cards, iBuy, etc.) as needed.

o Assist with travel reimbursements, T-card transactions, travel advances, and vendor payments as needed.in anticipation of continuation of funding.

• Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field

Desired Qualifications:

• University grant management experience.

• University of Illinois Certified Research Administrator (Illini CRA) training.

• University financial and grant management systems experience, including Banner, Business Objects (EDDIE), myResearch, and BA4.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal and state funding agencies policies and procedures applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University research administration policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.

• Strong organizational, analytical and communications skills to effectively communicate with a diverse community of stakeholders.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with varying complexity to meet strict deadlines.

Appointment Information: This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 - Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. The salary range for this position starts at $50,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on Monday, May 27, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact abe@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

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 .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1024079
Job Category: Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu