The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MatSE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) seeks to hire one Senior Coordinator, Business and Finance or Assistant Director, Business and Finance. This position is responsible for submitting sponsored research proposals on behalf of the department and associated faculty, managing effective post-award sponsored research activities, ensuring accurate and compliant general accounting practices, and carrying out other various business and financial operations and activities.

MatSE is one of the largest materials departments in the nation, with ~600 undergraduate and graduate students. You will join a small but mighty team of business professionals working together to support MatSE faculty and staff. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a challenging, cooperative work setting. We welcome individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy working autonomously but also collaboratively as a member of a team, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to their work. To learn more about MatSE, please visit us online at https://matse.illinois.edu/.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the level of the position.

SENIOR COORDINATOR, BUSINESS AND FINANCE DUTIES

· Counsel faculty during the pre-and post-award process for externally funded research projects conducting the budgeting and accounting activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, University policies and procedures as well as compliance with sponsoring agencies’ rules and regulations.

· Prepare and review information required for research proposals, including preparation of more complex budgets and assistance in the preparation of proposal documentation following agency requirements. Work with the Sponsored Programs Administration to submit proposals, track research proposal information and assist in grant/contract negotiations.

· Assist in conflict resolution with grants and contracts business activities to identify and resolve problems. Use independent judgment to facilitate activity with all parties.

· Monitor the administration of sub-award agreements and payment processing on research projects.

· Work with various offices, including Sponsored Programs Administration to prepare and track research proposals, assist in grant/contract negotiations and post-award administration, including all reporting and close-out activities.

· Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, departmental managers, constituents, governmental agencies and management. Research and analyze information and data.

· Prepare, review, and ensure accuracy of various expenditures on monthly accounting reports for principal investigators/responsible persons for grant and ICR funds.

· Submit, and /or Review/Approve the use of departmental funds for the following items: employee appointment requests, P-card, I-buy orders, and travel reimbursements.

· Participate in continuing professional development activities (e.g., conferences, seminars, training) to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of accounting and business practices.

· Supervise business office staff which includes, but is not limited to hiring, training, assigning and viewing work, conducting performance evaluations, addressing work issues, approving time off, setting work schedules, and setting goals.

· Assume additional appropriate related business and finance duties to further the mission of the department.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUSINESS AND FINANCE DUTIES

· Counsel faculty during the pre and post-award process for externally funded research projects conducting the budgeting and accounting activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, University policies and procedures as well as compliance with sponsoring agencies’ rules and regulations.

· Prepare and review information required for research proposals, including preparation of more complex budgets and assistance in the preparation of proposal documentation following agency requirements. Work with the Sponsored Programs Administration to submit proposals, track research proposal information and assist in grant/contract negotiations.

· Assist in conflict resolution with grants and contracts business activities to identify and resolve problems. Use independent judgment to facilitate activity with all parties.

· Monitor the administration of sub-award agreements and payment processing on research projects.

· Work with various offices, including Sponsored Programs Administration to prepare and track research proposals, assist in grant/contract negotiations and post-award administration, including all reporting and close-out activities.

· Prepare, review, and ensure accuracy of various expenditures on monthly accounting reports for principal investigators/responsible persons for grant and ICR funds.

· Prepare regular reports related to grants and contracts for researchers, departmental managers, constituents, governmental agencies and management. Research and analyze information and data.

· Perform compliance and allowability review and approve the use of departmental and gift funds for the following items: employee appointment requests, purchases, and travel reimbursements.

· Review progress reports and monitor faculty effort to ensure compliance with policies and make recommendations.

· Assist with the preparation of materials for audit purposes and respond to audit findings. Maintain required documents per university requirements.

· Assist with submitting and reviewing information reported in the (ARS) Activity Reporting System.

· Assist with the design, development, documentation, and implementation of new and/or revised financial systems and procedures.

· Participate in continuing professional development activities (e.g., conferences, seminars, training) to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of accounting and business practices.

· Supervise business office staff which includes, but is not limited to hiring, training, assigning and viewing work, conducting performance evaluations, addressing work issues, approving time off, setting work schedules, and setting goals.

· Serve as liaison for Business Mangers Group and similar campus efforts.

· Oversee all on-site business office activities.

· Assume additional appropriate related business and finance duties to further the mission of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS - The minimum and preferred qualifications differ depending on the level of the position.

SENIOR COORDINATOR, BUSINESS AND FINANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
Three (3) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a business, academic, research or government environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

UIUC Certified Research Administrator Certificate.

Effective communication, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to be self-motivated, work independently, and exercise good judgment.
Ability to prioritize work to meet submission deadlines for multi-faceted, detail-oriented tasks.
Ability to appropriately and effectively draw from on-campus resources.
Strong knowledge of PC-based tools, including Word and Excel.
Exposure to University of Illinois or fund accounting principles.
Working knowledge of the BANNER financial system and experience in sponsored research administration.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, BUSINESS AND FINANCE QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a field related to the position.
Five (5) years of professional business, financial, and/or managerial work experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a business, academic, research or government environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

UIUC Certified Research Administrator Certificate.
Effective communication, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to appropriately and effectively draw from on-campus resources.
Ability to prioritize work to meet submission deadlines for multi-faceted, detail-oriented tasks.
Demonstrated leadership competencies including initiative, discretion, and ability to work independently to manage and oversee projects.
Supervisory experience.
Strong knowledge of PC-based tools, including Word and Excel.
Exposure to University of Illinois or fund accounting principles.
Working knowledge of the BANNER financial system and experience in sponsored research administration.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service Business/Administrative Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary ranges are as follows: Senior Coordinator, Business and Finance $70,000 - $80,000; Assistant Director, Business and Finance $80,000 – $90,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, with consideration given to internal equity. Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on November 30, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. 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 Summer Redman at sredman@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

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

Requisition ID: 1033567
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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