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

Universities of Wisconsin · Eau Claire, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 26, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell us about a time you managed several projects at once with different deadlines.

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize multiple grants without missing reports or deadlines.

Tell us about a time you had to handle confidential information carefully.

What they are checking: Whether they use sound judgment with personal and sensitive data.

What would you do

A researcher wants to buy something that may not be allowed under their grant. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain allowable costs clearly and suggest a compliant path.

A professor is behind on a progress report that's due to the sponsor next week. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can nudge busy faculty effectively and protect the university's standing with sponsors.

This role is grant-funded through June 2029. How would you make sure the work you build lasts beyond the grant?

What they are checking: Whether they think about documentation and handoff in a time-limited position.

How would you explain a complex budget rule to a researcher who just wants to do their science?

What they are checking: Whether they can make compliance simple and supportive rather than a barrier.

About the work

As a Post-Award Research Concierge, what do you think a researcher needs most once their grant is awarded?

What they are checking: Whether they understand post-award work and see it as service to researchers.

Walk us through how you'd help a faculty member set up a new federal grant so spending can start.

What they are checking: Whether they know the basic steps of account setup, budgets and sponsor terms.

How would you use Excel or SharePoint to track grant spending and reporting dates?

What they are checking: Whether they can build simple tools to keep many awards organized.

How familiar are you with federal rules like Uniform Guidance?

What they are checking: Whether they know the basic regulations that govern most federal grants.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Universities of Wisconsin from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. 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. W e 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 Department: Compensation: Required Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications: Education: How to Apply: Contact Information: 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.

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