Located in one of the world’s greatest cities, the University of Illinois Chicago is Chicago’s largest university and only public research institution. Its sixteen academic colleges serve nearly 34,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. UIC is recognized as one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, a leader in providing access to underrepresented students. 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).

UIC's Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR)  is seeking an Associate Director of Sponsored Programs - Contracts in our Office of Sponsored Programs.  This role will lead, oversee, and manage the sponsored project contract activity for the Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford campuses of the University of Illinois. This position serves as the primary point of contact for external sponsors, foundations, other educational institutions, and industry for all administrative matters related to sponsored project agreements/contracts. This position will advise and assist principal investigators, department administrators, and Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) staff members in interpreting sponsor terms and conditions and compliance requirements. Participates in strategic planning and works to implement new policies and programs.

This is a full-time and benefits eligible position.  Hybrid work schedules are available. UIC offers competitive salaries commensurate with experience.  In addition, all full time benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which include Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance, a defined benefit pension plan as well as paid leave which includes Vacation, Holiday and Sick.  In addition, we offer tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage the operations of the Contract team, including planning, assigning, and reviewing work from staff to ensure that contract deadlines are met, as well as training, reviewing, and evaluating the job performance of Contract team members.
• Interpret applicable federal rules and regulations, state laws and regulations regarding project implementation and compliance, and monitor and manage the day-to-day activity of the Contract team to ensure compliance. Work with the Office of University Counsel regarding legal and compliance issues.
• Oversee Pre-Award and non-financial Post-Award processes, including contract review and sponsor-required approvals throughout the sponsored project lifecycle. Also, will serve as a signature authority.
• Resolve conflicts for complex research-related issues by proposing and implementing solutions in consultation with appropriate administrative entities within the UIC OVCR.
• Collect metrics and create reports on topics impacting UIC’s contract execution rates and compliance issues, including bench-marking best practices.
• Participate in and/or develop training, workshops, and seminars on issues related to sponsored programs administration.
• Participate in strategic planning and draft new policies and programs.
• Draft educational materials and communications related to research administration and sponsored programs activity.
• Provide updated information on the OVCR website related to sponsored programs and research administration policies and procedures.
• Represent OSP on departmental and campus-level committees and task forces.
• Serve on committees with representatives of other research-related departments and facilitate joint training for the university community.
• Function as a resident expert on sponsored program activities, including staying informed, interpreting sponsored project terms and conditions and University policies and procedures, and developing and maintaining liaison with sponsors and institutional officials who administer sponsored project activities.
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in sponsored program administration, preferably at an institution of higher education and/or in department administration, office of sponsored programs, office of research administration, university or medical center setting, federal grant-making agency, or comparable work experience.
• Project and personnel management experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Certification as active Certified Research Administrator (CRA) or comparable certificate preferred.
• Broad knowledge of and familiarity with UIC departments and research institutes and policies preferred.
• Excellent organizational, project management, interpersonal, communication, networking and collaborations skills.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and data management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects, exercise independent judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to a client-centered approach to service delivery and administrative support.
• Experience in biomedical research administration, business and accounting, and in particular, experience with federal funding, such as from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF), is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the federal regulations and guidelines that govern the conduct of research such as Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 2 CFR Part 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“Uniform Guidance”), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) clauses. Basic understanding of fund accounting principles.
• Strong computer knowledge of basic information systems (Word, Excel, Adobe, and other database applications) and web applications.
• Familiarity with Kuali Coeus research administration applications is a plus.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by October 10, 2024. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume  and contact information for three references by the close date.

Candidates must apply by visiting the following link:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/11914?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

About University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago is the city’s largest university and its only public Carnegie Research 1 institution. Its 16 academic colleges serve close to 34,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UIC is recognized as one of the best public universities and one of the most ethnically rich and culturally diverse campuses in the nation, located in the heart of Chicago, it is an integral part of the city's educational, technological and cultural fabric.

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