Grants & Contracts Coordinator/Senior Grants & Contracts Coordinator - Psychology

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, IL•Urbana, IL

55d•$60,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The department of Psychology is searching for either a Grants & Contracts Coordinator or a Senior Grants & Contracts Coordinator. The Grants & Contracts Coordinator will coordinate sponsored research administration activities, including proposal preparation, financial accounting budgeting and reporting functions related to grants and contracts that are administered by the Department of Psychology. The Senior Grants & Contracts Coordinator will also coordinate sponsored research administration activities, including proposal preparation, financial accounting budgeting and reporting functions related to grants and contracts that are administered by the Department of Psychology. The individual will also reconcile Priority Software BA shadow system reports to Banner, distribute monthly statements to faculty/PI's, facilitate the annual summer salary planning process in coordination with HR, and manage the department retention schedule for grants and contracts related documents according to the RIMS guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
Two years of grants and contracts, financial and/or administrative experience in a university research or similar setting.
Working knowledge of automated accounting systems
Effective communication, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, exercise good judgment and prioritize
Good knowledge of PC-based tools, including Word and Excel
Proficient use of the University of Illinois accounting and reporting systems, including Banner, Eddie, My-Research, and My-UI-Financials and various agency proposal submission systems
Advanced knowledge of grants management adhering to the University of Illinois Sponsored Programs Administration policies and procedures
Five years of grants and contracts, financial and/ or administrative experience in a university research or similar setting.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business, accounting or related field
University of Illinois Certified Research Administrator (CRA) certification, or currently enrolled in the SPaRC'Ed program
Five or more years of relevant grants and contracts or financial and administrative experience
Experience in interpreting and complying with University, Federal, and State statutes, regulations, and policies
Experience with Priority Software Business Accounting application

Responsibilities

Oversee and coordinate the daily operations for all pre-award activities for the Department of Psychology.
Counsel faculty during the pre-award process for externally-funded research projects by conducting the budgeting and accounting activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the policies and procedures of the Psychology Department and the University of Illinois as well as compliance with sponsoring agencies' rules and regulations.
Recommend policies and maintain procedures for proposal development and submission.
Prepare and review information required for research proposals for researchers, including reviewing Requests for Proposals, preparation of complex budgets, determination of indirect cost rates, assuring deadline and content compliance, assisting with subaward processing and assistance in the preparation of proposal documentation following agency requirements.
Act as a liaison with campus units including collaborating departments and with Sponsored Programs Administration to submit, track research proposal information and assist in grant/contract negotiations.
Coordinate the submission of research proposals.
Work collaboratively with incoming faculty to facilitate sponsored project transfers from other institutions &/or agencies.
Interpret and provide advice on University policies and sponsor regulations to faculty, departmental business staff, sponsored project personnel, sub-awardees, and others as needed.
Maintain and manage files for all proposal submission activity.
Serve as back-up support for a wide range of post-award accounting, compliance and reporting duties.
Work closely with the Business Office personnel who oversees post-award functions to cross-train and assist during high volume cycles when needed.
Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, departmental managers, constituents, governmental agencies and management.
When necessary, review and approve expenditures charged to grants and related funds, including p-card, i-buy, travel reimbursements, payroll appointments and miscellaneous items.
Assist with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and responses to audit findings.
Work with faculty and staff to facilitate and monitor the processing of anticipated awards and the establishment of sponsored project accounts.
Maintain required documents per University requirements. Research and analyze information and data. Develop financial reports, queries and analysis related to the department's sponsored projects.
Solve problems and make decisions using independent judgment and interpretation of Department of Psychology, University of Illinois and funding agency policies and professional accountancy knowledge.
Prepare special management reports as needed.
Assist with the development, documentation and implementation of new and/or revised procedures to improve business operations.
Participate in continuing professional development activities (e.g., conferences, seminars, training) to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of accounting and business practices.
Attend quarterly SPaRC meetings to stay informed of campus policies, procedures, and training opportunities. Maintain own sponsored research skills through continued training.
Participate in department, college and campus wide committees as needed.
Reconcile Priority Software BA shadow system to Banner system monthly using EDDIE financial reports.
Distribute monthly statements, spreadsheets and financial information to faculty for specific departmental accounts including non-grant accounts.
Monitor start-up commitments for new faculty members and reflect any changes in shadow system accordingly.
Facilitate the annual summer salary planning, working closely with the post-award grants and contracts coordinator as well as HR.
Manage the retention of grant related documentation, following the RIMS guidelines and retention schedules, to reduce security issues and to minimize the potential for any security issues or department liability.