Grants Manager

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Grants Manager provides pre- and post-award research administration for grant proposals and contracts within the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics. This role involves identifying funding opportunities, assisting faculty with proposal development and submission, preparing budgets, managing regulatory compliance, overseeing financial aspects of grants, and handling award closeout activities. The position requires knowledge of University policies and procedures, as well as the policies of various funding agencies.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Knowledge of University policies and procedures.
Working knowledge of policies, terms, and procedures of various funding agencies and sponsors.
Proficiency in Oracle, Orbit Reporting, Workday, and SAP Concur (GEMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft 365.
Demonstrated project management skills.
Demonstrated data analysis skills.
Demonstrated advanced spreadsheet skills.
Knowledge of research methods and funding sources.
Knowledge of federal and non-federal grant and contract regulations, policies, and procedures.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prioritize work effectively, manage competing deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
Ability to research issues independently, evaluate information, and propose practical solutions.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact, and professionalism.
Ability to contribute as a collaborative and supportive team member.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in business or accounting.
Five years of progressively responsible grant/contract and financial administration in an academic setting.
Background with budgets, ledgers, invoices, and fiscal reporting.
Understanding of one or more aspects of sponsored program administration in a research environment.
Familiar with accounting systems.
Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities and organizational needs.
Proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance systems, and increase efficiency.
Ability to lead and guide others when appropriate.

Responsibilities

Prepares, reviews, and submits proposals for research, training, and other sponsored activities.
Identifies and communicates funding opportunities that align with faculty research interests and departmental priorities.
Coordinates the preparation and submission of proposals, including budgets, budget justifications, subaward materials, institutional forms, biosketches, current and pending support, and other required documentation.
Develops accurate proposal budgets in consultation with faculty and research staff.
Monitors and facilitates the proposal process through University routing and approval procedures, ensuring timely submission and adherence to deadlines.
Reviews proposals for compliance with sponsor and University requirements and identifies potential issues.
Coordinates responses to sponsor requests for additional information, including just-in-time requests.
Coordinates the preparation of financial materials and supporting documentation for proposed subawards and sponsored consulting agreements.
Reviews new award notices and agreements and communicates relevant terms and conditions to faculty and staff.
Coordinates award and account setup, ensuring accuracy of budgets, project periods, funding sources, and restrictions.
Monitors sponsored awards for compliance with sponsor requirements and University policies.
Monitors salary allocations and effort reporting and coordinates necessary adjustments.
Monitors grant expenditures and commitments and prepares financial projections.
Analyzes financial reports for accuracy and recommends/initiates corrective actions.
Distributes regular financial reports to principal investigators and provides guidance.
Processes cost allocations, cost corrections, payroll transfers, and other financial adjustments.
Prepares and submits invoices and financial documentation required by sponsors and monitors accounts receivable.
Coordinates with appropriate University offices to resolve delayed or outstanding receivables.
Coordinates the execution and administration of subawards, sponsored consulting agreements, and amendments.
Tracks project milestones, reporting deadlines, award modifications, and other sponsor requirements.
Coordinates the preparation and timely submission of required sponsor reports.
Prepares and processes requests for no-cost extensions, carryforward, rebudgeting, and other award modifications.
Coordinates requests for sponsor approval of major changes to project scope, budget, or anticipated expenditures.
Processes and monitors cost-share transactions.
Prepares and processes grant and account closing memos and coordinates award closeout activities.
Provides guidance to faculty and research staff regarding University grant policies and procedures.
Provides specialized support for the research enterprise, including pre- and/or post-award administration.
Serves as liaison between PIs, University administrative offices, and external agencies.
Ensures service and communication to PIs, standardized information, best practices development, and awareness of new grant policies.
Performs other related work as needed.