Post Award Specialist

The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Post Award Specialist.  The Post Award Specialist is a hybrid position that will provide accounting, compliance and reporting support for a grant portfolio of 15 – 25 grants.  The Specialist must maintain familiarity with federal, sponsor and University guidelines to effectively administer awards from federal and private sponsors.  This position requires a strong knowledge of general accounting principles, including an understanding of debits and credits, budgeting and financial analysis. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Assist faculty and principal investigators with the management of their funded research projects, programs and accounts. This includes managing and monitoring a shared grants email inbox, responding to inquiries and coordinating communications related to grant administration. Maintain knowledge of sponsor rules and regulations for grant expenditures, including allowable and unallowable costs, rebudgeting, carryforward and related compliance requirements.
• Review and approve the use of grant funds for expenses such as employee appointments, i-Buy orders, Emburse expenses and travel reimbursements, ensuring accuracy and compliance.  Advise faculty on the financial aspects of hiring personnel and major spending decisions, such as large equipment purchases, as necessary.
• Prepare, review and reconcile monthly grant accounting reports for researchers and management.  Ensure the accuracy of various types of expenditures and procurement procedures for all grant funding using professional accountancy knowledge.  Take appropriate action to move unallowable or questionable charges to an appropriate funding source.
• Serve as liaison with Sponsored Program Administration (SPA) Post Award staff for required documentation, reporting and close-out activities.
• Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations for changes when necessary
• Request and monitor anticipation accounts, subaward agreements, no-cost and other contract extension modifications as necessary. Review process and track subaward payments. 
• Participate in continuing professional development (e.g., conferences, seminars, webinars, etc.) to improve knowledge and judgment.
• Provide backup support for team members during absences (e.g., vacation, leave or high-volume periods) to ensure continuity of operations.  Perform other duties as assigned to support team and departmental needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
• One year of professional experience in business, finance or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work experience at an institution of higher education or experience working with federal grants.
• UIUC Certified Sponsored Research Administrator.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to organize and manage diverse activities in a time-sensitive environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Strong background in accounting principles and business practices.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state and funding agencies policies, procedures, laws, regulations and codes applicable to the administration of grants and contracts.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers, word processing, spreadsheets and database management.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5040 – Grants and Contracts Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the posting period closes. The salary range for this position is $63,000/year - $67,000/year.  Final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements and budget constraints.

Visa sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit  the SUCSS web site at  https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures and Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on March 20, 2026.  Apply for this position by visiting https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16320?c=illinois&referralToken=pirxZdIf0aDncaCVEQWRw and using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting.  In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through http://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.  If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment.  For further information about this specific position, please contact jobs@beckman.illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions – every staff member helps shape what’s next.  Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact.  The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth and financial security.  Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence – where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtures and your career can thrive. 

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits.  This includes health, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off and tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.  Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process.  Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, or religion.  Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.