Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation - Sponsored Programs Administration This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require weekly presence on campus in Urbana-Champaign.
This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking a visionary leader to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research & Innovation (AVCRI), Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) - a vital role at a world-class research institution with over $865 million in annual research expenditures (FY 25). The AVCRI will lead SPA, a unit whose mission is to support thousands of externallysponsored research projects that improve our state, nation, and world.
In this role, you'll lead a team responsible for every phase of the sponsored research lifecycle - from strategic proposal development to award negotiation, compliance management, and financial stewardship. Last year alone, SPA processed over 3,200 proposals and managed nearly 5,300 awards. The SPA team is not only highly skilled and committed to its mission, it's also nationally known for innovating in the face of change, including expanding global collaborations, and increasing regulatory demands, and leading in the development of AI-powered tools.
If you're equipped to build on that track record by leading a transformative office that sits at the intersection of strategy, policy, and innovation, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Illinois research enterprise.
Job Summary Responsible for the comprehensive administration and compliance risk mitigation of the externally sponsored portfolio overseeing the entire sponsored project lifecycle from administrative proposal review and submission through award closeout. In all responsibilities, establish and maintain a positive working environment that encourages productivity and retention of all SPA staff, including opportunities for professional development.
Duties and Responsibilities - Independently manage the activities of Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA), a service unit under the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation (OVCRI), with responsibility for supporting faculty and staff in pursuing and conducting sponsored research and other sponsored activity across the campus. Direct the SPA staff dedicated to administering sponsored project funding for research, instruction, and outreach and responsible for reviewing and authorizing proposals, negotiating contracts and setting up awards, managing expenditures and accounts receivables, and monitoring compliance. Work closely with the appropriate authorities on institutional or project-specific audits and contribute to campus- and institution-wide reviews and audits of operations supporting or impacting sponsored research. Establish policies and procedures to maximize the opportunities for support of faculty research and to create an environment conducive to such scholarship. Assist the institution with managing financial and other compliance risks associated with sponsored programs and maintaining the fiscal vitality and reputation of the university, working closely with members of the senior administration, deans, college research officers, and faculty. Represent the interests of the faculty, staff and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation for defining, developing, and implementing institutional business operations to effectively encourage and support sponsored activity.
- Provide continuous innovation to better support the research enterprise and leverage new tools and information technology to increase efficiency of service across the sponsored project lifecycle. Maintain executive oversight of the research administrative information systems by providing operational oversight of the institution- and enterprise-wide software systems and electronic research administrative tools. Continuously look to reduce the faculty and staff administrative burden while maintaining institutional compliance. Establish goals, develop performance metrics, and implement programs to provide streamlined and effective administrative support for sponsored programs administration in collaboration with the University of Illinois system office functions as required.
- Provide leadership to the campus in administering and interpreting applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and directives regarding grant and contract implementation and compliance. Identify potential financial and other compliance risks to the institution and help develop pragmatic and proactive solutions to mitigate those risks. Participate with senior administration and in close collaboration with the Office of General Counsel in the development of policies and procedures for the administration of grants and contracts supporting the university's mission and objectives. Anticipate the need for improvements in such policies and represent the university in liaison with agencies providing grant and contract funding.
- Collaborate with the Security Management Office to ensure institutional compliance in managing the institutional classified sponsored portfolio. Work closely with the Office of Research Security to ensure the sponsored portfolio is compliant with federal regulations governing foreign engagement and collaboration.
- Oversee the development and implementation of organized training and outreach efforts to faculty and staff. Work closely in the support and administration of the Sponsored Programs and Research Compliance (SPaRC) quarterly meetings and annual retreat, and support and advocate for the SPaRC'Ed certification series. Responsible for envisioning the development of SPaRC tools and resources for faculty and staff and for advocating for university staff to participate and volunteer their time to share their knowledge of sponsored programs administration
- Serve as official signatory authority for campus proposal submissions and sign on behalf of the institutional authorized organizational official when needed. Coordinate preparation of statistical reports and other data for reports to university administration, including monthly and annual reports, and other reports as requested by administration. Work closely with the OVCRI and campus leadership in responding to requests for analytics. Serve on appropriate University committees as required and direct the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files related to the support of grants and contracts.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree with demonstrated leadership experience at an institution- or campus-wide level; or an advanced degree (J.D., Master's degree and/or PhD).
- 10 years of experience, including demonstrated leadership, strong organizational and administrative skills related to supporting the entire sponsored project lifecycle in a complex academic research institution. Experience should include a record of commitment to and delivery of responsive service to the research community.
- Experience in both the pre-award and post-award functions; federal cost principles, research compliance; knowledge of federal agency practices, regulations and policies; and evidence of leadership success in comparable situations.
- Experience in producing creative and innovative solutions and approaches to common problems.
- Experience in working with program officers at State and Federal agencies and with private sponsors and acting as an effective liaison between investigators and funding agencies, including dispute resolution.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience in a leadership role in a sponsored projects office at an academic or similar research institution with at least $500M annual research expenditures.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Demonstrated management skills, including budget preparation and management, personnel management (hiring and training staff) with an ability to motivate and retain professional staff.
- Ability to work effectively, collaboratively and diplomatically with investigators and senior level administrators responsible for providing services to support the sponsored portfolio.
- Must have demonstrated interpersonal and organizational skills and willingness to reach out to various parties in the performance of their duties.
- Ability to work with executive administration to address the resource needs of SPA and a demonstrated experience in negotiations for and management of a large and heterogeneous non-governmental sponsored research portfolio.
- Comprehensive understanding of federal regulations and agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research, including NSF, US DOE, NIH, USDA, DOD, NEA and NEH.
- Knowledge of the federal Uniform Guidance.
- Comprehensive understanding of state regulations and agency guidelines for grants management and sponsored research, as well as a working knowledge of State of Illinois statutes.
Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $210,000 to $250,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Sue Key at 217-333-0034. 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
Requisition ID : 1032213
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
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