Post-Award Research Concierge - Research Administrative Specialist

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Position Title:

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs: Post-Award Research Concierge

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Administrative Specialist

Job Duties:

POSITION: A full-time, professional academic staff position is available in Office of Research and Sponsored Programs beginning  November 2, 2026. The working title for this assignment is Post-Award Research Concierge with an official title of Research Administrative Specialist.  This is a grant-funded appointment through 06/30/2029.  The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a customer service mindset and an ability to work with people at multiple levels within the organization.
• Sound judgement regarding personal and confidential information.
• Proficiency in standard software programs, including Excel, Word, and SharePoint.
• Familiarity with grants and sponsored funding.
• Project management skills, including ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and take significant initiative to find information needed to complete tasks. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in financial management.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Grant writing or grant management experience.
• Documentation or technical writing skills.
• Experience with grants administration and financial systems (e.g., Huron Research Suites, Workday).
• Familiarity with Uniform Guidance and Federal Regulations.

DUTIES:

Serve as a liaison and expert resource for principal investigators on grant-funded projects (30%)

• Interpreting existing institutional and granting agency policy and procedure related to overall sponsored project management.
• Building relationships with PIs and connecting them with campus stakeholders to seek information and/or accomplish administrative tasks.
• Initiating “new award” meetings for PIs to transition from pre-award to post-award support.
• Meeting regularly with assigned mentors to build knowledge and campus connections.
• Participating in professional development/training opportunities.

Document processes and procedures (25%)

• Documenting processes to create job aids for use by other research administration staff and PIs.
• Organizing and maintaining documentation on a file sharing platform (e.g., SharePoint).
• Assisting with data collection to support reporting requirements for the NSF GRANTED-BRIDGE project.

Assist PIs with financial management related to grant-funded projects (20%)

• Tracking budget activity and reconciling expenses, including institutional match documentation.
• Preparing and/or maintaining documentation related to administrative grant activities.
• Preparing prior approval requests for project modifications.

Support PIs with administrative tasks related to grant-funded projects (20%)

• Purchasing general supplies
• Making travel arrangements and assisting with travel expense reimbursements
• Coordinating meeting spaces, food, lodging
• Hiring students
• Purchasing computers, cell phones, or other technology
• Paying stipends to research participants

Other duties as assigned to support Office of Research and Sponsored Programs activities (5%)

THE UNIT: The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs is made up of 4 full-time staff members as well as graduate assistants and undergraduate student workers. The primary mission of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is to maintain a supportive environment for research, scholarly, and creative endeavors of the faculty, academic staff, and students. ORSP coordinates and administers a variety of internally funded research and professional development programs, directs the activities of the Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration, and facilitates proposal preparation and submission to external agencies in order to serve the needs of the institution. To learn more about ORSP at UWEC, visit https://www.uwec.edu/orsp/

UNIVERSITY and EAU CLAIRE COMMUNITY: UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/why-uwec/ .

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications are submitted electronically. Please follow instructions found on the following Web site: https://wisconsin.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UW_Comprehensives   (Job ID #10014498).  Please be sure you have included the following in PDF format:

• Cover letter that addresses the position Qualifications and your relevant experience, including specific examples from work history
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Minimum 3 references
• Unofficial transcripts

Please direct requests for additional information to:

Heather Johnson Schmitz; schmitzh@uwec.edu

To ensure consideration, completed applications must be received by September 28, 2026.  However, screening may continue until position is filled.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Analyzes data and trends, compiles progress reports, and provides appropriate recommendations or conclusions in support of the assigned operational work unit(s)

• Schedules logistics and secures resources for a designated work unit to contribute to the day-to-day operational success

• Implements and executes established policies and procedures for a designated work unit to adhere to unit objectives and to align with established strategies

• Assists, recommends, and advises staff on unit or program administrative issues, personnel matters, and budgetary problems

• Serves on committees and attends meetings, representing the interests of the unit or program

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Compensation:

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

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Special Notes:

INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW 

UW-Eau Claire, an institution of approximately 9,000 students and 1,200 faculty and staff, is consistently recognized as a top comprehensive university in the Midwest and is widely known as a leader in faculty-undergraduate research and study abroad. We strive for excellence in liberal education and select graduate and professional programs through commitment to teaching and learning and dedication to our core values of diversity, sustainability, leadership, and innovation. To learn more about UWEC, visit  https://www.uwec.edu/human-resources/employment-opportunities/ . 

The City of Eau Claire, situated at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, is at the center of a metropolitan area of approximately 100,000 people located 90 miles east of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The area features beautiful parks and trails, strong public schools, a vibrant arts scene and local food culture, and abundant recreational opportunities. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

The university reserves the right to contact additional references with notice given to the candidates at an appropriate time in the process. Employment will require a background check. Employment will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding past conduct related to sexual violence and sexual harassment. 

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). 

The UW-Eau Claire Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe and secure environment for learning and working. Although crime at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is limited, the University Police want students, faculty and staff to be aware of crime on campus and the area surrounding the campus. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose annual information about campus crime. Visit Campus Security and Fire Report. Also visit our Campus Security Authority(CSA) policy. 

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.