Department

Provost URA: Sponsored Programs

About the Department

University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with University policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually-binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials. The Post-Award Opt-In Services team is responsible for the management of day to day sponsored program activities for an assigned portfolio of faculty researchers.

Job Summary

The Director, Sponsored Program Services (SPS) is a member of the URA leadership team and is responsible for the leadership and management of the team that manages and supports day-to-day sponsored program activities for an assigned portfolio of faculty researchers and acts as expert departmental support and central research administration liaison in sponsored operations. More specifically, the support provided by the SPS Team includes a dedicated URA staff member assigned to work with each faculty member on all post award needs and facilitate communication to the appropriate URA teams. The support is designed to handle administrative and financial matters associated with a faculty member’s research portfolio, so that the faculty member may focus on the technical and academic content. Working with the Senior Director, Sponsored Operations, and the URA Leadership Team, the Director shall identify the direction and goals of the services program and provide oversight for the management of the SPS team to ensure consistency, equitable workloads, and assistance as needed.

The Director develops departmental plans and priorities for the SPS Team that support organization-wide initiatives and further grows the value of the SPS program. The Director provides leadership and supervises four levels of professional staff members: manages the day-to-day activities of the Sponsored Program Services Group, University Research Administration (URA):

• Four Senior Sponsored Programs Managers
• One Sponsored Programs Manager
• Two Sponsored Programs Specialist
• One Sponsored Programs Administrator

The Director is responsible for working in collaboration the Director, Sponsored Development Services and with other key service providers across campus to deliver seamless support to the researchers at the University.

Responsibilities

Acts as a key member of the URA Leadership Team.

Identifies operational goals and policies required to support the SPS operation. Manages the day- to-day activities of the SPS Team within University Research Administration.

Provides leadership and oversight of post-award management functions such as expenditure and budget reviews, audit of invoices and billings, monitoring accounts and preparing financial reports and projections for grants and other sponsored agreements.

Identifies processes and standards necessary to meet and exceed faculty expectations for services provided.

Ensure follow-up, and delivery of timely reports to PIs and sponsors through proactive support of award management.

Assist with technical reporting as needed. Assist with maintaining compliance for Animal and Human Subjects protocols and regulatory policies by being aware of and advising others of policy and procedures, and by facilitating any tracking or training requirements.

Assist central pre-award staff as needed with support in the preparation of grant proposals, including gathering and organizing necessary information from faculty across the University and other institutions, writing and coordinating letters of support, and providing other information as required.

Oversee and coordinate with appropriate National Lab counterparts to ensure seamless research partnerships and joint appointments between the University and the National Labs. Identify financial and compliance driven procedures and policies that support such initiatives.

Work with faculty and administration from multiple universities, organize projects and execute them independently. Work with faculty to develop plan for account management.

Ensure that the Team manages and maintains AURA as necessary when applications/proposals are not funded, withdrawn or not routed. Provide outreach and coordinate the onboarding and service level agreements with departments who sign on for sponsored award services.

Analyze, interpret and implement University policy and procedures, the Federal Uniform Guidance, and award specific terms and conditions for stakeholders.

Communicate and collaborate with university departments/units, other URA Teams, technology transfer and compliance teams/units to facilitate smooth transition throughout the full life cycle.

Develop reports and metrics that assist divisions and faculty with Award Management.

Mentors and trains administrative staff on all aspects of post-award management.

Acts as a resource to staff on all URA teams on operational issues from central and departmental perspective.

Supervises professional staff members, including hiring/firing, training, conducting annual performance evaluations, and recommending salary increases.

Provides leadership while ensuring that a high level of service support is provided directly to faculty.

Optimizes staff skills and organizational structure and is responsible for staff development and continuing education within the SPS Team.

Identifies and Coordinates with the URA Leadership to develop and implement training programs relating to issues of current importance in grant and contract management are communicated to and understood by the research administration community on campus.

Active participation in research administration professional organizations such as COGR, FDP, or  NCURA.

Reviews and interprets language in contracts and grants to determine conformity and/or conflict with University policies. Discusses award terms and conditions acceptable to the University. Ensures post-award activities.

Ensures appropriate evidence of approvals so commitments made in proposals can be honored, to protect the University from harm, loss of income, or liability.

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 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Certified Research Administrator (CRA) - Research Administrators Certification Council

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related disciplines such as a scientific or allied health field strongly preferred.

Degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related disciplines such as a scientific or allied health field.

Advanced degree or equivalent combination of training experience.

Experience:

Experience working within sponsored research administration/management in an academic field.

Experience with demonstrated supervisory responsibilities working with leadership across a large, complex organization, influencing action.

 Technical Skills or Knowledge: 

Knowledge of and experience with National Laboratories policy and regulation strongly preferred.

Experience with compliance issues of sponsored program administrations and the communication of compliance policies to staff and to faculty.

Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.

Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, Workday, Concur and a high level of proficiency in Excel.

Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).

Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.

Preferred Competencies 

Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate teams with a clear vision, ensuring all members understand their role in achieving overall project goals. Strong interpersonal skills to manage team dynamics, handle conflicts constructively, and maintain a positive team culture. Ability to connect short-term actions to long-term goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Independence: Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision. Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members. Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.

Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration. 

Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.

Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality. 

Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately. Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.

Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment. Interact by phone, email, online meetings 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.

Judgment and Project Management: Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively. 

Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Stay current with technology and digital tools. Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback. 

Working Conditions 

Sit for 4 hours or more.

Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.

Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.

Some evening and weekend work may be required. 

Application Documents 

Resume/CV (required) 

Cover Letter (preferred) 

Reference Contact Information (preferred) 

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

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$117,000.00 - $152,000.00

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.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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 Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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