University of Chicago

Pre-Award Administrator

University of Chicago$75K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred.
  • 2-5 years of related work experience in grant and contract administration.
  • Experience with budgeting, fiscal reporting, and financial administration in an academic environment.
  • Familiarity with federal and non-federal grant policies and procedures.
  • Strong computer skills including word processing and spreadsheet management.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, prepare, and submit grant applications to secure funding from various sources.
  • Assist in timely submission of annual reports and continuation applications.
  • Ensure compliance with award terms and conditions for spending by serving as a resource for administrators.
  • Attend institutional grants management meetings and build relationships with agencies.
  • Seek new funding opportunities and alert faculty about relevant grants.
  • Prepare summaries for Principal Investigators and coordinate multi-investigator grants.
  • Review applications against University guidelines and prepare necessary reports.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance plans.
  • Retirement benefits with contributions from the University.
  • Paid time off including vacation and sick leave.
  • Flexible work environment fostering a collaborative culture.
  • Professional development opportunities to enhance skills.
Full Job Description
Department
BSD ADM - Pre Award - Team A

Job Summary
The job provides professional support for pre-award and/or post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals and funding within a department or unit. Pre-award activities include research, preparing applications, and editing proposals. Post-award activities include compliance monitoring, payment processing, and salary allocations. Performs work with moderate guidance and utilizes knowledge of University and business drivers.

The Pre-Award Administrator will facilitate the development and initiation of research grants and contracts for faculty in the Department of Medicine.

Responsibilities
  • Works with faculty and staff to identify, prepare, and submit grant applications to federal and private sources and secure sponsored funding from federal and local granting agencies as well as foundations.
  • Assists in the timely submission of required annual reports and continuation applications.
  • Serves as a resource to Section administrators and post-award account administrator to ensure that award activities and spending adheres to award terms and conditions.
  • Attends institutional meetings that focus on grants management and establishes and maintains appropriate working relationships with both internal and external agencies.
  • Seeks new avenues for funding and grant opportunities and ensures that notices of relevant opportunities are brought to faculty attention. Works with sponsors to draft proposal budgets in accordance with University needs, with a moderate level of guidance and direction.
  • Prepares summaries of grants and effort allocations for Principal Investigators, meets with them and responds to their questions. Coordinates with other departments/units/divisions regarding multi investigator grants. Serves as department contact for annual audits and agency site visits.
  • Reviews all applications against University guidelines, in addition to drafting progress reports, non-competing applications, amendments, and budgeting. Responsible for all data entry and preparation of grant reports and trend analysis.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree.


Experience:
  • Five years of progressively responsible grant/contract and financial administration in an academic setting.
  • Experience with budgets, ledgers, invoices, and fiscal reporting.
  • Experience in one or more aspects of sponsored program administration in a research environment.
  • Experience with accounting systems.


Preferred Competencies
  • Computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills.
  • Knowledge of federal and non-federal grant and contract policies.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Flexible and adaptable work style.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to research issues and propose solutions.
  • Demonstrated initiative in improving processes and enhancing systems.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact.
  • Excellent independent time management skills along with the ability to handle multiple and concurrent tasks and deadlines.
  • Ability to interact with others using tact and diplomacy.
  • Knowledge of research methods and funding sources.


Working Conditions
  • Ability to sit for 2 to 4 hours.
  • Office environment.


Application Documents
  • Resume (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
Financial Management

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$75,000.00 - $100,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

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