Research Administration Associate

Research Administration AssociateEngineering Business Services CenterThe Grainger College of EngineeringUniversity of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignGrainger Engineering is a Top 5 program with a legacy of engineering and computing innovation that has transformed society through advances like the first modern web browser, PayPal, YouTube, Yelp and many more. We are committed to pioneering the technologies of tomorrow while preparing the next generation of engineering, computing and data science leaders. Our sought after programs, forward leaning research initiatives and academic-industry partnerships are designed to produce the biggest ideas and deliver the greatest impact. As a member of Engineering Business Service Center, the Research Administration Associate will manage a large volume of business transactions to support faculty research portfolios, contributing to one of the most renowned institutions working to address society's most pressing challenges. This role demands independent judgment, initiative, a solid understanding of Business Financial policies and procedures, Grants & Contracts principles and practices, as well as departmental procedures.

Job SummaryDuties & ResponsibilitiesPost and Pre-award

• Oversees the generation of complex reporting elements required by sponsors.
• Manages subaward processing for active awards for all EBSC Units. This includes but not limited to ensuring all invoices are compliant with the terms and conditions of the award, maintaining accurate records and documentation, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to resolve discrepancies and submit invoices for payment.
• Oversees the management of the internal, financial database in coordination with grant administrators to ensure data accuracy, track financial transactions, and prepare reports in support of funding compliance.
• Review and pre-approve travel requests for compliance issues and allowability with sponsored agency.
• Assist with the completion of sponsored project closeout reviews and collaborate with campus central office to ensure completed projects are closed in a timely manner. Ability to review and make closeout recommendations to faculty and grant administrators.
• Collaborate with EBSC Grant Administrators to clear deficits, remove unallowable expenses and execute requested labor distribution changes.
• Maintain EBSC status records for all proposals and awards. Verify grant proposal data and status with the Pl portal system and update data as appropriate. Follow up with faculty regarding award status of grant proposals. Assist EBSC Grant and Contract Associates by generating current and pending documents in support of proposal submissions.
  
  

Other Research Administration

• Participate in campus research administration community through attendance at meetings and trainings offered by Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC), the Office of Business and Financial Services (OBFS) to enhance and improve research administration efforts.
• Manage and update the EBSC grants training manual, ensuring it reflects our established procedures and best practices.
  
  

Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
• Two (2) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience. (NOTE: A master’s degree in an area consistent with the duties of the position may be substituted for one (1) year (12 months) of work experience.)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of accounting experience at an institution of higher education.
• Illinois CRA certification or current enrollment in the SPaRC Ed program.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Close cooperation and coordination with supervisor.
• Ability to perform efficiently and effectively in fast-paced, multi-task situations where deadlines are frequently imposed and be very detail-oriented.
• Ability to use discretion in handling confidential information.
• Ability to take initiative and use good judgment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with database, spreadsheet, word processing and electronic communication programs.
• Ability and willingness to be a team worker and perform functions in a professional manner.
• Working knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of policies and procedures relating to Grants/Contracts pre- and post-award administration.
• Working knowledge of policies and procedures relating to invoice vouchers and other applicable functions related to duties as assigned.
  
  

Appointment InformationThis is a 100% full-time, Civil Service 5010 - Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $50,000 to $70,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position. Work authorization is not available for this position.

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 InformationApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 4, 2025. 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 offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.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 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: 1028617

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu