Job Description:

• Distribute awards through the AURA grants management system, establish accounts in the financial system and update records as necessary.

• Process for all Award Modification Requests (AMRs) and continuations (MODs) in AURA. Ensure that cost share is properly established and reported. 

• Direct preparation of, monitor and approve sponsor required fiscal and administrative reports. Prepare and/or review billing reports and request invoices as appropriate. Complete/review and approve back-up documentation as necessary prior to submission of reports. 

• Review and approve cost transfers.

• Assist billing area as needed to claim payments. 

• Prioritize work in order to complete assignments in a timely manner. 

• The individual will partner with business units/departments to monitor post-award activities (grants management), such as submitting progress reports (RPPRs); requests for no-cost extensions; obtaining sponsor approvals for major changes to project workscope or major changes to anticipated expenditures, etc. 

• Implement actions to proactively avoid problems with accounts. 

• Manage all close-out activities for sponsored projects, coordinating efforts between the PI, department/unit, and Sponsor. 

• Coordinate project transfers and closeouts when a faculty member leaves the University. 

• Communicate and collaborate with university departments/units to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full life cycle. 

• Through interaction with a variety of federal and non-federal funding agencies, faculty, and staff, provides professional assistance with the administration and coordination of proposals and awards in research and training.

• With moderate guidance, helps to obtain sponsor approvals for major changes to project work scope, etc. Transmits proposals and manages post award administration, gathers and submits closeout documentation, and maintains records. Ensures completeness and accuracy and coordinates any internal controls prior to the submission of documents to awarding agency.

• Maintains correspondence between the agency and University community to obtain and process necessary pre- and post-award information. Reviews and processes various pre- and post-award activities.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.

Experience:

• Minimum two years of experience working in related job discipline strongly preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of OMBâ™s Uniform Guidance for Grants (2 CFR 200) or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.

• Proactive, solution-oriented, with exceptional communication and analytical skills necessary to review a sponsored award agreement; determine the type of award, payment terms, reporting requirements, budget limitations, and establish accordingly per departmental guidelines.

• Ability to work with various sponsor electronic systems.

• Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, Workday, ACCTS, PETS, GEMS, e-Payments, Business Objects and a high level of proficiency in Excel.

• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills.

• Ability to Interpret sponsor guidelines and regulations to ensure accurate response.

• Incumbents are expected to review Sponsor guidelines and process or manage awards in compliance with university and sponsor policies and assist with other grants and contracts activities. Escalate issues accordingly within the office of University Research Administration.

Preferred Competencies

• Customer service is a high priority of the office with a demeanor of civility and professionalism at all times.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.

• Good negotiation skills.

• Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.

• Manage detail-oriented workload, to organize and prioritize during high-pressure, high-volume periods and manage stress.

• Exercise sound judgment and absolute discretion regarding confidential matters with tact.

• Handle multiple, concurrent tasks.

• Interact by phone, email or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.

Working Conditions

• Sit for 4 hours or more.

• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

• Travel to various on-campus locations on a daily basis.

• Use standard office equipment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

• References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

About University of Chicago (UC)

One of the world's premier academic and research institutions, the University of Chicago has driven new ways of thinking since our 1890 founding. Today, UChicago is an intellectual destination that draws inspired scholars to our Hyde Park and international campuses, keeping UChicago at the nexus of ideas that challenge and change the world.

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