Department: Office Sponsored Research
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

As a staff member of Northwestern Sponsored Research (SR), the Awards Management Assistant Sr is an integral part of the institutional infrastructure that supports an innovative research ecosystem for ten schools and colleges, all centers and departments across three campuses (Chicago and Evanston, Illinois and Doha, Qatar) at Northwestern University, a distinguished AAU institution.

Reporting to the Director for Awards Management, the Awards Management Associate is responsible for (1) the compliant establishment of all (simple to complex) financial accounts for sponsored research awards; (2) non-financial post award management activities for a wide spectrum of awarded sponsored research contracts and agreements; (3) targeted preliminary proposal review award acceptance-related support.

Northwestern Sponsored Research is committed to being BRAVE (Battling Racism And Valuing Equity). Through deliberate words and actions, we endeavor to confirm to our colleagues that we see them and acknowledge their humanity and value.

The Awards Management Associate will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.

Specific Responsibilities:

Sponsored Research Awards Financial Account Establishment:

• Under the direction of the Director Awards Management, establish compliant sponsored research award accounts in electronic research administration and financial management systems efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy. Evaluate accepted and negotiated sponsored research awards, contracts and agreements from a wide spectrum of sponsors (e.g., federal and state governments, corporate and industry, non-federal and foundations) to determine the following: appropriate account types, payment structures, subawards and associated terms and conditions regarding budgeting, expenditure allowances and disallowances, granted authorities, university financial commitments, program income, and invoicing requirements in order to create appropriate account structures for award setup and management.

Non-Financial Post Award Administration of Sponsored Research Awards:

• Review and assess sponsor communications for sponsored research lifecycle award administration requirements and actions to include award amendments, period of performance adjustments and extensions, funding increases, deobligations, terminations, key personnel changes, cost share, and closeout. Process and/or review requests from University units to create new projects or cost share accounts for established awards. Complete systematic maintenance of aging and problematic award records through their resolution. Process and monitor cost-share commitments (mandatory and voluntary) against committed amounts to support award compliance and fiscal year-end reconciliations. Ensure award actions remain compliant with University, sponsor and regulatory guidelines (e.g., Uniform Guidance, Federal Acquisition Regulations). Review for accuracy and submit technical/programmatic progress and closeout reports to sponsors such as Research Performance Progress Reports, final reports, and patent/invention disclosures.

Proposal and Award Acceptance Support:

• Complete preliminary and targeted proposal review. Review and submit sponsor-requested data and compliance checks for pending awards subject to "Just-in-Time" principles. Review cost share commitments for accuracy and adherence to university and sponsor established guidelines and requirements. Manage appropriate awards documentation in the official document management system for Sponsored Research in order to meet institutional compliance requirements for audit.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.
• Excellent math, analytical, and customer service skills.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and customer-focused orientation.
• Ability to learn, adapt and work effectively within multiple software and business systems simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with research and/or grants and contracts administration is strongly preferred.
• 1+ year of business, finance, research administration or information technology experience preferred.
• Entry level of knowledge of Federal regulations related to research administration, including Uniform Guidance and federal-wide research terms and conditions preferred.

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 2 years' program/project administration or other relevant experience.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,000-$60,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.

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