SPA Grants & Contract Specialist 2

Job Description Location: Chicago, Illinois Business Unit: Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: Sponsored Projects Admin Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0) Shift: Shift 1 Work Schedule: 8 Hr (9:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM) Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page ( Pay Range: $32.00 - $46.44 per hour Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rushu2019s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Summary: The Grant and Contract Specialist 2 is responsible for reviewing and submitting proposals for various grants. The Specialist conducts a full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage grant proposals for the University. The position will ensure timely submission of proposals that follow the requirements of the sponsor and program announcement. Complies with applicable federal rules and regulations. The individual who holds this position exemplifies the Rush mission, vision, and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures. Required Job Qualifications: + Bacheloru2019s degree required. + 3-5 years of pre and/or post-award experience in the preparation, processing, and negotiation of grant and contract proposals and awards required. + Certified Research Administrator certification or comparable certification preferred or willingness to complete within 2 years. + Knowledge of NIH application requirements and policy regulations and a familiarity with web based submission software. + Excellent attention to detail, strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines. + Position requires professionalism, diplomacy, a highly developed degree of judgment, initiative and the ability to work independently. + Strong teaming, communication, organizational and interpersonal skills are essential, as are project management skills and attention to detail. + Ability to work within strict deadlines, under pressure, and ability to prioritize. + Must be self-motivated; must be able to use time and resources effectively; must be able to make and implement plans and make independent judgements. + Ability to deliver the highest level of customer service. + Ability to work as part of a group of professionals dedicated to collaborative approaches and positive outcomes. Preferred Job Qualifications: + Experience reading and interpreting funding opportunity announcements and demonstrated knowledge of pre-award grant submission process preferred. Responsibilities: + Performs pre-award sponsored programs activities for the university. Pre-award activities include but are not limited to assisting faculty and staff in developing, preparing, editing, and submitting federal and non-federal grant and contract proposals. + Ensures all applications meet compliance with institutional, sponsor and federal regulations for contractual and financial matters. + Reviews and coordinates complex proposals and budgets. + Reviews and negotiates terms and conditions of incoming and outgoing sub-award agreements. + Processes amendments, modifications, extensions, and terminations of contracts and subcontracts. + Prepares and delivers effective training sessions for the larger university research community. + Provides guidance to researchers and department staff for proposal development and submission by interpreting and ensuring adherence to sponsor and university announcements and guidelines. + Facilitates the submission of non-financial post award documents and reports, which may include supplemental materials, just-in-time documents, progress reports, no-cost extension requests, carryforward requests, and other requests for prior approval. + Oversees proper close out of grants and contracts, including submitting final progress reports to grant agency. + Works closely with Research Regulatory Operations, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Office of Research Compliance, Legal Affairs and Fund Accounting on grant related matters. + Assists with preparing meaningful metrics and reports on grant proposals and awards. + Assists in maintaining policy and procedures manual for sponsored projects division. + Updates and revises the grants module of the Rush Research Portal as necessary. + Serves on various advisory and planning committees. + Other relevant duties as required. Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. Position SPA Grants & Contract Specialist 2 Location US:IL:Chicago Req ID 25558

Created: 2026-03-20