University of Chicago · 3 weeks ago
Pre-Award Administrator
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Hybrid
Entry, Mid Level
$75K/yr - $100K/yr
2+ years expThe University of Chicago is an intellectual community and a globally renowned research institution dedicated to fostering innovative and impactful research. The Pre-Award Administrator role provides professional support for pre-award and post-award activities relating to grant and contract proposals, ensuring compliance and facilitating funding opportunities for faculty research.
Higher Education
Responsibilities
Works directly with the faculty and research staff to seek new avenues for funding and new grant opportunities
Ensures that notices of relevant new funding opportunities for research programs are brought to the attention of the faculty
Gathers needed documentation and manages the execution of subawards, sponsored consulting agreements, and subaward amendments
Works with a broad array of sponsors, interpreting regulations and guidelines of multiple program funding with broad and complex guidelines for spending
Ensures all applications meet agency and University guidelines
Works directly with the PI to develop proposal budgets, in accordance with the needs of the research plan and agency and institutional requirements
Timely submits applications and renewal/continual amendments; ensures timely submission of technical reports, just-in-time submissions, no-cost extensions and agency required re-budgeting
Coordinates with other departments/units/division regarding multi-investigator grant submissions
Works closely with post-award staff, if separate, to transition grant administration upon award, including updating proposed budget to match notice of grant award
Interacts with University Research Administration, faculty, postdocs, and pre/post-award colleagues from other departments and sections, and Financial Services Office personnel
The individual is a member of a team and must contribute to the team effort, as needed, which involves assisting colleagues to ensure timely service to Pls and sponsors as needed and to perform back-up duties during vacation or sick leaves of other award team staff
Handles straightforward post-award activities including account creations, regulatory and compliance monitoring, salary allocations, effort reporting, grant projections, cost allocations, cost center charges, equipment inventory, invoice preparation, grant closing process, and account closing
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
Performs other related work as needed
Qualification
Required
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Resume/CV (required)
Three References Contact Information (required)
Preferred
Bachelor's degree in related field
Progressively responsible grant/contract and financial administration in an academic setting
Budgets, ledgers, invoices, and fiscal reporting experience
Background in one or more aspects of sponsored program administration in a research environment
Familiar with accounting systems
Computer skills including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet skills
Knowledge of federal and non-federal grant and contract policies
Knowledge of research methods and funding sources
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Attention to detail
Flexible and adaptable work style
Strong organizational skills
Research issues and propose solutions
Demonstrated initiative in improving processes and enhancing systems
Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and tact
Excellent independent time management skills and handle multiple and concurrent tasks within deadlines
Interact with others using tact and diplomacy
Cover Letter (preferred)
Benefits
Health
Retirement
Paid time off
Company
University of Chicago
One of the world’s great intellectual destinations, the University of Chicago empowers scholars and students to ask tough questions, cross disciplinary boundaries, and challenge conventional thinking to enrich human life around the globe.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Chicago has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (341)
2024 (318)
2023 (285)
2022 (233)
2021 (179)
2020 (172)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Benedicte Nolens
Distinguished Executive in Residence
Recent News
2025-11-08
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
2025-10-23
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