Senior Grant Administrator - SPA

Job Summary

Hybrid – 3 In-Person. Full-Time, Exempt. University Staff. Chicago-Water Tower Campus. Department: SPONSORED PROGRAM ACCOUNTING.
The Senior Grant Administrator provides critical support to an assigned diverse portfolio of sponsored awards and central-level post‑award financial administrative support of grant and contract policies, ensuring compliance and regulatory issues are managed.

• Provide all phases of post‑award financial administrative support for sponsored awards in the assigned portfolio to faculty, administrative and other support personnel.
• Monitor award expenditures, re‑budgeting, cost‑sharing, supply and equipment justifications to ensure costs are allowable, allocable and reasonable.
• Maintain and implement internal accounting controls to efficiently manage assigned awards.
• Collaborate with University personnel at all levels to ensure successful management and spending of externally and internally funded projects.
• Serve as liaison between the University and external funding agencies in matters of financial reporting, budgeting and accounting.
• Review award agreements and prepare the financial account set‑up in accordance with award terms and conditions to ensure compliance with federal OMB Uniform Guidance, specific granting agencies’ requirements and internal institutional policies.
• Analyze and evaluate award budgets for accurate expenditure categories including fringe benefits and facilities and administrative costs.
• Prepare all required external reports according to agency guidelines on a timely and accurate basis.
• Oversee the close‑out of assigned awards and prepare for an annual audit to ensure compliance with federal OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Daily processing of non‑salary and salary expenditures, budget appropriations, financial reporting, and accounting unit maintenance.
• Work as a team member to successfully complete quarterly and annual financial processes and to meet fiscal year close requirements.
• Assist the Director in the training and onboarding of new departmental staff.
• Assume additional projects assigned by the Director to enhance SPA’s processes and procedures.
• Assigned duties as needed.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 3 years of accounting or related experience.

Must work independently, prioritize work, and multitask in a time‑sensitive, high‑volume environment.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited University in accounting, business, life sciences or related field along with 2 to 4 years of federal and non‑federal grant management experience required; advanced degree preferred.
Ability to foster collaboration and respect, work with cross‑functional teams, and engage in effective communication.
Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office package (Adobe, Excel, Word, One Drive, Teams, Outlook). Advanced proficiency in information/database management and ad‑hoc reporting tools is a plus.
Familiarity with financial systems, enterprise content management systems, and supporting software programs (Lawson, Doc Finity, Web Focus) is preferred.
Experience in pre‑ or post‑award administration or grant life‑cycle encouraged. Working knowledge of non‑profit cost principles, including federal OMB 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, is also a plus.

• Microsoft Office package (Adobe, Excel, Word, One Drive, Teams, Outlook).
• Advanced proficiency in information/database management and ad‑hoc reporting tools.
• Familiarity with financial systems, enterprise content management systems, and supporting software programs (Lawson, Doc Finity, Work Day, Web Focus).

None Required.

No.

No.

No.

Repetitive Motions.

None.

Maximum Salary: $85,000 per annum. Minimum Salary: $75,000 per annum.

As a Jesuit, Catholic institution of higher education, we seek candidates who will contribute to our strategic plan to deliver a Transformative Education in the Jesuit tradition. For…