Post Award Specialist - Beckman Institute

Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology

The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an opening for a Post Award Specialist or a Post Award Coordinator. The Post Award Specialist 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. The Post Award Coordinator will independently manage a grant portfolio consisting of awards with nuanced and stringent compliance and financial requirements resulting from the high award amount and multiple PI’s. The coordinator must have a strong knowledge of federal 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.

Post Award Specialist
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Regularly review and approve the use of grant funds for expenses such as employee appointments, i-Buy orders, P-card expenses and travel reimbursements to ensure integrity, accuracy and allowability in accordance with budgets, agreement terms and applicable policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Review, process, monitor and track subaward agreements and payments. Monitor and request anticipation requests, no-cost extensions and other contract modifications.
• Consult with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Post Award staff for required documentation, reporting and close-out activities. Maintain knowledge of SPA guidelines for all post-award activities.
• Maintain knowledge of sponsor rules and regulations for grant expenditures, allowable/unallowable costs, rebudgeting, carryforward, etc.
• Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations for changes when necessary.
• Maintain knowledge of SPA guidelines for all post-award activities.
• 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.
• Participate in continuing professional development (e.g. conferences, seminars, webinars, etc.) to improve knowledge and judgment.

Specialty Factors:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
• One (1) 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 communications 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.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, University policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of computers, word processing, spreadsheets and database management.

Post Award Coordinator
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Regularly review and approve the use of grant funds for expenses such as employee appointments, i-Buy orders, P-card expenses and travel reimbursements to ensure integrity, accuracy and allowability in accordance with budgets, agreement terms and applicable policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Review, process, monitor and track subaward agreements and payments. Monitor and request anticipation requests, no-cost extensions and other contract modifications.
• Maintain knowledge of sponsor rules and regulations for grant expenditures, allowable/unallowable costs, rebudgeting, carryforward, etc.
• Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations for changes when necessary.
• Consult with Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) Post Award staff for required documentation, reporting and close-out activities. Maintain knowledge of SPA guidelines for all post-award activities.
• Assist in conflict resolution with grants and contracts business activities to identify and resolve problems. Use independent judgment to facilitate activity with all parties.
• Assist with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and respond to audit findings.
• Ensure the accuracy of the information reported in the (ARS) Activity Reporting System for the Beckman Institute. Assist with the design, development, documentation and implementation of new and/or revised financial systems and procedures.
• Serve as a resource for post-award staff through mentoring and training.
• Assist with proposal overflow as needed and complete special projects as assigned.
• Participate in continuing professional development (e.g., conferences, seminars, webinars, etc.) to improve knowledge and judgment.

Specialty Factors:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, economics or a field related to the position.
• Two (2) years of professional experience in business, finance or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in grants and contracts administration.

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:

• Strong background in sponsored research administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of University guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to independently interpret policy and make informed decisions related to research administration.
• 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.

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 the Post Award Specialist is $63,000/year - $67,000/year. The salary range for the Post Award Coordinator is $67,000/year - $71,000/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.

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 & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on December 5, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://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.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

---

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 Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

---

Requisition ID: 1033673
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu