Grants And Contracts Specialist - Engineering Business Services Center

Grants And Contracts Specialist

The Engineering Business Services Center (EBSC) within The Grainger College of Engineering invites applications for a proactive, detail-oriented Grants and Contracts Specialist to support the growing research enterprise of the Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) in Chicago, Illinois. In this dynamic role, you will partner closely with faculty and principal investigators to develop and submit competitive proposals, expertly navigate evolving sponsor regulations, and ensure the accurate financial management of awards from federal and non-federal sponsors. If you thrive in a fast-paced research environment, excel at interpreting complex guidelines, and enjoy being a trusted resource throughout the full grant lifecycle, this position offers an exciting opportunity to help advance DPI's mission and impact across the state and beyond.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide support to faculty and principal investigators in the preparation and submission of routing proposals to various federal and non-federal sponsors. This includes reviewing and interpreting sponsor guidelines and regulations, as well as University policies and procedures for proposal submission and ensuring that all are met.
• Assist faculty and principal investigators with the management of their funded research projects, programs and accounts, including the preparation of financial forecasts as necessary. Advise faculty on the financial aspects of hiring personnel and major spending decisions, such as large equipment purchases, as necessary. Assist with the management of personnel budgets and expenditures through review and approval of proposed appointments in the appointment application and redistributing appointments of principal investigators and research staff in response to changes in research efforts.
• Serve as a liaison to SPA Award Management and assist with grant account set up, management, budgeting, billing and close out activities, as necessary. Ensure that completed projects are closed in a timely manner and in accordance with the terms of the award.
• Complete regular review of accounts to ensure integrity, accuracy and allowability of transactions in accordance with project budgets, agreement terms, and University, Federal and sponsor guidelines. Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source.
• Serve as liaison to Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) and assist them with requests related to proposal submission and award negotiations, as necessary. Follow up on pending agreements and ensure that awards are finalized and funded projects accounts are established in a timely manner in support of the research efforts.
• Request and monitor anticipation accounts, subaward agreements, no-cost and other contract extension modifications as necessary.
• Participate in campus research administration community through attendance at meetings and conferences offered by the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS), SPA and Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC), as well as those offered at the College level to enhance and improve research administration efforts.
• Assist with department human resource functions by the review and approval of faculty and student appointments.
• Assist with department purchasing and payable functions by the review and pre-approval of purchasing transactions with possible compliance issues, and the review and approval of Travel and Expense Management (TEM) system transactions and P-card transactions.
• Assist principal investigators with the semi-annual expenditure confirmation process to obtain certifications in a timely manner.
• Monitor principal investigator effort on sponsored projects for assigned faculty to ensure investigators meet their effort obligations on their respective awards. Assist with the maintenance of the Activity Reporting System (ARS) for assigned faculty. Update ARS as necessary and in accordance with the department's allocation policy, and discussions with the faculty teaching, research, public service, and cost-sharing obligations are properly reflected and meeting the designated obligations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
• One year (12 months) of professional work experience in business, finance or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Illinois Certified Research Administrator

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to organize and manage multiple activities in a time sensitive environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong background in accounting principles and business practices.
• Ability to thrive in a team environment and actively contribute to the team's success.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a full-time Civil Service 5040 – Grants and Contracts Associate position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $62,000 - $72,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will support the Discovery Partners Institute located in Chicago, IL, and is required to be on-site for a minimum of three days per week. Hybrid work options will align with the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS website.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINE INFORMATION

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 28, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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 Dawn Creath at dcreath@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

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.

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.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID : 1035777

Job Category : Professional and Administrative